‘Human Nature’ Art Exhibition Now on View at Sandler Center

The latest Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Art Gallery exhibition invites you to explore the cross-sections between psychology and art, and to understand that which instigates or influences the development of our behaviors, opinions and decision making through the art of Melissa Schappell. 

“Human Nature,” by Schappell, a Virginia Beach-based artist and educator, is on view now through June 22, whenever the Sandler Center box office is open, as well as to event ticketholders during Sandler Center events. The Sandler Center and Sandler Center Foundation will host a free, public opening reception for this exhibition, 6-8 p.m., March 24.  

The artist, who also teaches at the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School and Tidewater Community College, works in a variety of media and formats. Through her art, Schappell aims to create original pieces that foster dialogue about the psychology of the human experience by visually expressing them in whimsical, satirical and symbolic ways. Despite their theatrical and metaphorical nature, the works expose personal, societal and cultural truths. 

Her pieces have been shown at a variety of established academic institutions, museums, fine art galleries and art centers, with recent exhibitions at Virginia MOCA. She has also been awarded in juried exhibitions and festivals, including a Best of Show at the 2021 Boardwalk Art Show, Best of Show at the d’Art Center's National Juried Exhibition, and the Museum Purchase Award Winner at Radford University Art Museum’s Juried Art Exhibition. 

Learn more about the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Art Gallery, including opportunities to potentially exhibit at sandlercenter.org. Questions may be emailed to artsinfo@vbgov.com.