An exhibition of works by artist and musician Jackie Merritt will open on First Friday from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 2, at Arts on Main in Gloucester. Live music will be provided by Narissa Bond & M.S.G. Acoustic Trio. It is free and open to the public, with beer, wine and paninis available for purchase.

A nationally known artist and musician, Merritt is active in the arts community regionally and is serving her fourth year as a commissioner on the Hampton Arts Commission. She has taught drawing, painting and design at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton since 2007.

Merritt recently received the Dr. John T. Biggers Drawing Award in the 2016 New Power Generation National Juried Exhibition at Hampton University. She also received honorable mention in the 2016 and 2015 Virginia Artists juried exhibitions at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, and an Alli Award in 2010 for Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Life of Greater Hampton Roads (Art/Music). In the summer of 1971, she spe...