VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University's Anderson Gallery presents Dr. Baxter Perkinson's first one-man show, Art Reflects Life, which opens Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. and continues through Sunday, Sept. 28.  The exhibit features 50 works-on-paper inspired by VCU's Inger and Walter Rice Center for Life Sciences, a 364-acre living laboratory of old growth forests and diverse aquatic habitat along the James River in Charles City County.

"As an artist, I was completely in awe of the Rice property's natural beauty, striking landscape and diverse wildlife," said Dr. Perkinson.  "I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to paint in watercolor."

Dr. Perkinson describes the exhibit as diverse, with some contemporary works.  Many of the paintings are of scenes at the Rice Center, while others were inspired by the property?s beauty, history and surrounding community. 

The exhibit will culminate with a benefit auction at the artist's home on Saturday, Oct. 4.  All of the auction's proceeds will benefit the Rice Center.

Dr. Perkinson began his artistic career 22 years ago.  He prefers to create his images spontaneously, rather than beginning with sketches.  While running Virginia's largest dental practice, he finds time to paint at least two days a week.  Dr. Perkinson never has sold a watercolor for personal profit, instead donating his works to benefit various philanthropies.  It is estimated that his paintings have raised about $4.5 million for charities.

A VCU alumnus, Dr. Perkinson also is a clinical professor at the VCU Dental School and is Rector of the VCU Board of Visitors.