At Art Central Gallery Phoebus, we believe that every brushstroke tells a part of our shared history. As we reflect on over 125 years of Phoebus heritage, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Today, we are thrilled to announce a new chapter… a Visual Rebirth designed to bridge our community’s rich artistic past with a vibrant, limitless future.
Preserving a Master’s Vision: The Everna Lee Taylor Legacy
Art Central has always been more than a gallery; it is a home for the unique creative pulse of Hampton Roads. Central to this mission is the enduring legacy of the late Everna Lee Taylor. His work serves as the gold standard for pictorial storytelling, capturing the spirit and folk-art traditions of the South with unmatched authenticity.

To ensure Mr. Taylor’s stories continue to inspire, we are establishing the Everna Lee Taylor Sustainability Fund. This initiative focuses on:
- Legacy Preservation: Protecting and promoting the pictorial storytelling traditions that define our region.
- Educational Integration: Moving toward regional symposiums and conferences centered on the folk-art traditions of Hampton Roads.
- Artist Empowerment: Providing a modern, professional home for our 15+ resident artists to grow and thrive.
Wear the Story: The Inaugural Fundraising Collection
To celebrate this evolution and our Grand Re-Introduction at the Phoebus Spring Festival on April 11th, we are launching an exclusive Bonfire Fundraising Campaign. This is your opportunity to own a piece of our history while directly supporting the “cultural heartbeat” of Mellen Street.
Every purchase from this collection—featuring our new, strategically modern identity—contributes to the Everna Lee Taylor Sustainability Fund.
Limited-Time Founders Pricing
As a gesture of gratitude to our early supporters during this launch phase, we have established special Founders-level pricing for all apparel.
Important Note: This introductory price level is available only until April 1st. Following this date, prices will transition to our standard gallery retail rates as we prepare for our high-impact Spring events.
We invite you to become a supporter. Together, we are ensuring that the art of the story flourishes on Mellen Street for the next century and beyond.

