“Pop for a Cause” Art Exhibition Opens at Asbury UMC
On Friday evening, Asbury United Methodist Church became a vibrant gathering place for art enthusiasts fleeing the heavy rains outside. The occasion was the opening of “Pop for a Cause,” featuring 11 pop art-style paintings by local artist Derek Jackson, each dedicated to a different local charity.
Each piece is interactive, infused with technology: a QR code embedded in the artwork links directly to the charity’s website, allowing visitors to donate seamlessly. The exhibition will be on display through the end of October.
Jackson and the church hosted an open house as part of September’s First Fridays of the Valley event. Despite the weather, a dedicated group of art lovers braved the rain to attend.
Shannon Zalewski traveled from Grottoes, expressing her excitement about supporting Jackson and enjoying a rare visit to Harrisonburg for First Friday festivities. “I really like it,” she shared. “The 40s, 50s, and 60s comic book art style is right up my alley. It’s great to see local artists being showcased.”
Among those involved in the exhibition was Paula Ford, executive director of Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach. She expressed gratitude for being included, emphasizing the importance of awareness for those affected by incarceration. “You don’t know how many people I run into who don’t know what we are and what we’re doing,” Ford explained.
Elizabeth Resto, a board member with Patchwork Pantry, echoed similar sentiments. She welcomed the opportunity to showcase her nonprofit and its mission, noting, “This is really cool for us.”
Artist Derek Jackson reflected on the successful turnout, attributing it to the church’s efforts to promote the event and hoping it would bring “people willing to give” closer to the nonprofits represented. Funded by a grant from the Arts Council of the Valley, Jackson has plans to expand the project to include more charities—a challenge given the local focus of the grant.
“Whatever doesn’t happen this time, we’ll put it on next time,” he said, emphasizing a commitment to continue supporting local causes through his art.
