HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) announced the opening of two new exhibitions at Smith House Galleries on Friday, August 1 during First Fridays of the Valley: Take a Walk on the Wild Side highlights oil paintings by Agnieszka Elliott; Ouroboros, by E. Leary, features paintings and pyrography. Stop by the opening reception from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm to explore the artwork; meet the artists; partake of light refreshments; and enjoy live music by Jane Cox.

Both exhibitions are on view through August 29, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Second Saturday (August 9), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Each exhibition will also be available online.

Born in Krakow, Poland, Agnieszka Elliott is a self-taught, award-winning wildlife artist whose work focuses on the lives of species less frequently encountered. She has gained international recognition and regularly exhibits with Artists for Conservation in Vancouver. As a
conservationist, Elliott aims to inspire empathy and raise awareness about nature, sharing,

“My work is deeply rooted in my love for the natural world. Each brushstroke reflects my passion for wildlife and my dedication to taking proactive measures to protect it. Through my art, I seek to share the quiet beauty and incredible spirit of wildlife, encouraging others to connect—a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the wild splendor around us.”

Outside of painting, Elliott enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her family and two German Shepherds.

Emily Leary is a Virginian illustrator, painter, and pyrographer with a passion for storytelling. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley filled her childhood with diverse nature, inspiring a lifelong interest in plants, wildlife, and the relationships between living things. Her work often focuses on species found in the Blue Ridge Mountains, using symbolism and intricate detail to express thoughts on mortality, growth, spirituality, and the passage of time. Leary earned her BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUArts) in 2023 and is currently based in Richmond, VA. Her recent endeavors include living for two and a half months at the Byrdcliffe Art Colony in Woodstock, NY as an Artist in Residence in 2023 and holding her first solo show, Thicket, in January 2025 at Sage Bird Ciderworks in Harrisonburg, VA.