The Whitley Gallery opens “Seeing Beyond the Bars”

The Whitley Gallery, a new art gallery in Shockoe Bottom, recently opened its inaugural show, "Seeing Beyond the Bars."

Lawyer Angela Whitley opened the gallery, which specializes in art that explores criminal justice. Her goal, she said, was to combine her passion for law and art as well as the rehabilitative possibilities of creating art.

"We are painfully aware [of the results] when inmates have no hope, no goals, and no activities to keep them occupied or focused on constructive thoughts . . . ," she said. "This counterproductivity can be resolved by creating a venue [for] their artistic expression."

The show features works by two inmates as well as an eclectic mix of community members, including a graffiti artist.

The exhibition runs through Nov. 20 at 29 N. 17th St. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For details, call (804) 343-0027.-- Jo Lord