Share this Story
The Art of Healing: A Student-Curated Exhibition
As the first Bobby Levin Scholarship recipient, Sarah Richards ’26 showcases art inspired by growth and self-discovery
University News | November 7, 2025
The Virginia Wesleyan University Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship Program proudly presents “The Art of Healing,” a student-curated exhibition by Bobby Levin Scholarship recipient Sarah Richards ’26. The exhibition is on display throughout November in the Barclay Sheaks Gallery of Hofheimer Library and is free and open to the public.
Celebrating art’s transformative power, “The Art of Healing” features works by local art therapy participants exploring themes of joy, emotional breakthroughs, growth, and self-discovery. The collection reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the restorative potential of creative expression.
Richards, a senior in the Batten Honors College double-majoring in art and psychology, will graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has already been accepted into Eastern Virginia Medical School (now Old Dominion University) for its Counseling and Art Therapy master’s program, where she will continue her journey toward helping others heal through art.
“I found the exhibit and curatorial process very rewarding," noted Richards. "I was inspired by how open and vulnerable the artists were when sharing their experiences. Viewers also surprised me with their openness when creating response artwork and notes about the exhibit.”
To prepare for the exhibition, Richards issued an open call to artists who have personally experienced art’s therapeutic impact. She invited submissions inspired by themes of joy and hope for the future, emotional breakthroughs, growth and empowerment, self-discovery, and connection and community—accepting works across a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.
The Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship, announced in May 2025, honors the late Bobby Levin, a Norfolk native, entrepreneur, and philanthropist remembered for his compassion, humor, and love of life. Levin found solace and meaning in art, especially during his battle with cancer, and believed deeply in art’s capacity to heal. This program continues his legacy by supporting academically talented juniors and seniors at VWU who are pursuing the interdisciplinary coursework in studio art and psychology required for admission to accredited graduate programs in art therapy. Levin Scholars, like Richards, curate exhibitions featuring art created through therapeutic practice—gaining hands-on experience while fostering community healing and awareness.
Through the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship, Virginia Wesleyan celebrates a beloved friend of the University while affirming its commitment to creativity, empathy, and purpose as forces for healing and human connection.
Support the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship and help future students carry Bobby’s legacy forward.