Sandra Shelley

Jan 31, 2025 | virginialiving.com | Madeline Mayhood |Hope Cartwright |Sandra Shelley |Konstantin Rega

When Virginia Living magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Madeline Mayhood reached out to me to identify some artists who inspire me and whose work I love, I didn’t have to look far. Some of my faves have studios in my own neck of the woods of Albemarle County, which makes for a rich stew in which to live and work.

Jul 20, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Sandra Shelley |Margaret Wadsworth

When the urge to shop or snack hits you in the middle of your scenic drive on the Snickersville Turnpike, there’s one place to go. Bluemont General Store serves up just about anything you can think of: pizza, ice cream, oysters, books, beans, hardware, and even jingle bells. The selection prioritizes freshness and local connection, with Angus beef from grass-fed livestock raised in nearby pastures of Loudoun County farmland and farm-fresh eggs from free-range chickens in Purcellville.

Jul 17, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Hope Cartwright |Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Sandra Shelley

Coast Guard officer Kenneth Jones wears his heart—and his hometown—on his sneakers. He serves at the Atlantic Area Communications Command Center in Norfolk, but also designs apparel rooted in service and seaside pride. Jones was raised in coastal Virginia with a father who served in the Navy for decades. Years later, Jones himself joined the Coast Guard. Now, he’s working on the clothing and sneaker line KINDM, named for his kin and “personal kingdom.” “It’s a kingdom that makes you, you,” he says.

Jul 14, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Whitney Pipkin |Sandra Shelley

Virginia’s art scene is vibrant, and Northern Virginia is brimming with talent. Immerse yourself in fine art at these three galleries. Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria is one of the country’s largest collections of artists working under one roof. Visit this institution that has been fostering connections between artists and the public for more than 50 years. TorpedoFactory.orgThe Byrne Gallery in Middleburg has presented artists and exhibitions for nearly three decades.

Jul 4, 2024 | virginialiving.com | Stephanie Ganz |Madeline Mayhood |Dawn Klavon |Sandra Shelley

What better way to beat the summer heat than expanding your knowledge with classes from a great local organization? Here, we make it easy with top offerings from across the region. Barre Boutique at Richmond Ballet—This affiliate workout studio offers a fun way to sculpt and shape your body through dance-based workouts. Options range from classical ballet training to Bollywood dance and modern expressionism.