As you know, Richmond is a mecca of diverse people AND unique wedding venues!  There truly is something for everyone.  For a bride looking for a very different kind of venue, there’s Art Works Gallery!  Meet Glenda, co-owner of Art Works, and see why this wedding space is so popular.

Tell us a little about your company!

Art Works Gallery is located half a mile from downtown Richmond.  We have three beautiful galleries that are artfully decorated and the perfect venue for a wedding and reception. Brides looking for something unique love Art Works. We opened in 2003 and are experts at hosting weddings and parties.

How did you get started in this business?

We opened in 2003 and expanded in 2005 to include our largest gallery and reception space – The Jane Sandelin Gallery.

What differentiates you from other businesses in your field?

Brides looking for something unique love Art Works. The art changes monthly and the entire art center (25,000 square feet including 5 galleries and 75 studios) are open for guests to view art during the reception. We also make the gallery available the day before the event, giving the bride and family plenty of time to set up and make things perfect. Most venues allow only a few hours on the day of the event to set up and have the reception.

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Why do you like working with weddings?

We are pleased and happy that brides include us in their special day. It is a happy time for all, and we love being part of the celebrations including the planning and the actual event.

What is the most difficult situation you have faced with a bride and how did you resolve it?

There was an instance where  the caterer arrived late. We served guests beverages and invited them to tour the gallery, then we assisted the caterer in setting up and got the party going. Another time the cake was lost. We hunted it down and found that it was delivered to another gallery! We went and got the cake in time so that no one suspected a thing.

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From a vendor’s perspective, what is the one best piece of advice you can offer to engaged couples?

Get the big decisions, like your venue, out of the way first. Take advantage of our suggested wedding vendors (caterers, planners, cakes, flowers, music and more). The bride can use any caterer and other vendors they wish to hire, but taking advantage of our list will not only save time but we have worked with all these vendors and they meet a high standard of service.

What or who motivates you?

Seeing people happy and doing the things they like to do and having a great time at Art Works is a motivator for me.

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What do you like to do when you are away from work?

I walk the dog, paint, make sculptures and pottery, play with my grandchildren, and write.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

In addition to being an business owner and artist, I am a computer analyst and programmer!

Thank you, Glenda, for answering our questions!  If you would like to learn more about Art Works Gallery, please visit their wedding website or contact info@artworksrichmond.com.