05/27/2026
Students in Ms. Harper’s A&E, ‘Charlottesville Firsts, Now,’ were excited to partner with the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society to learn about the work of Frances Brand (1901-1990) a U.S. Army major, a civil rights activist, a world traveler, a devoted churchgoer, and a portrait artist. According to the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, "In the 1970s, Brand undertook a series of portraits of individuals from Charlottesville and Albemarle County that would become the Gallery of “Firsts.” This collection had at least 157 portraits of local people that Brand believed to be the first to do something. Many were firsts in their field of study, work, or in public service, but Brand included those with less notable accomplishments that were nonetheless considered important by the community. She made an effort to represent a myriad of races, classes, religions, and professions. Of the 157 portraits, 93 feature women. Brand captured in her “Firsts” images of change in a small Southern community during the latter half of the twentieth century, a time when social change made it possible for individuals to achieve firsts where previously their gender, race, or nationality denied them the opportunity."
After researching Brand and visiting the Historical Society, students worked to identify someone in the Charlottesville community who was engaging in meaningful work. They chose to focus on Sarah Olivia - Program Director of Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue; Gabe and Sonya Silver - Founders of Rivanna River Company; and Ang Conn - Housing Programs Director at The Haven. Through research, visits, and interviews, students learned about the impact these people make every day in our community. The project culminated with a portrait of each person in the style of Frances Brand.
Ultimately, this project was about more than studying local history. It was an opportunity for students to celebrate people in our community who are making a difference right now, and to recognize that meaningful impact is not reserved for famous figures. By learning the stories of these local changemakers, students were encouraged to see that every person has the ability to contribute to their community, influence others positively, and create change through everyday acts of leadership, service, and care.
We invite you to join us this Friday, May 29th, at 5:00 pm to celebrate the students’ work. Paintings will be on display through July in the glass display windows by the Paramount Theater.
