Perspective Gallery
The mission of Perspective Gallery is to expand the student’s conceptual world through art appreciation and to encourage patronage of the arts. The Gallery organizes exhibits by local, national and international artists. Through these exhibits and educational programming, the Gallery inspires active learning about art and provides a conduit for dialogue on local and world issues. The Gallery supports the transdisciplinary educational goals of the University to benefit students and members of the community.
Even when we’re closed, exhibitions are visually available through our perimeter windows, in front, and down the corridor along the side of the gallery.
Ribbon Skirts are a significant expression of Indigenous identity, cultural resilience, and living tradition. The modern Ribbon Skirt reflects centuries of adaptation and innovation, emerging through the blending of European clothing styles with buckskin dresses, T-dresses, and ceremonial skirts traditionally worn by different Indigenous Nations. Indigenous people have incorporated both Indigenous and European materials, techniques, and decorative elements, creating a garment that tells a story of cultural continuity, adaptation, and survival. Today, the Ribbon Skirt is recognized across many Indigenous Nations as one of the most widely shared forms of regalia, while also reflecting the unique histories, teachings, and protocols of individual communities and regions.
The meaning of a Ribbon Skirt varies among Nations, families, and individuals. For some, it is an everyday expression of cultural pride; for others, it is sacred regalia worn during ceremonies, dances, and other important cultural gatherings. Ribbon Skirts have come to symbolize womanhood, strength, resilience, healing, and the ongoing reclamation of Indigenous identity. It is important to understand that there is no single Ribbon Skirt tradition; rather, each reflects the knowledge, values, and protocols of the people who create and wear it. Learning about these traditions is best done through the guidance of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community members, whose voices continue to preserve and strengthen this living cultural practice.
Fall Exhibition
Alicia Aldaz, Medicine Skirts
August 19-December 16, 2026
Alicia Aldaz is a textiles and beadwork artist and designer from the Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia. She is known to her people as Mahe:i Mato:i Ine:se, Looksabove Woman.
Growing up in Amherst County Virginia, she traveled with her family and tribe dancing and singing at powwows and native performances across the nation.
The Medicine Skirts exhibition highlights Alicia’s vision combining contemporary ribbon skirts with traditional knowledge to create the opportunity for people to learn and discuss traditional plants and medicines of this region.
Alicia has designed and created each skirt to represent a plant indigenous to the Virginia woodlands used for its medicinal and healing properties. The skirts link the beauty and importance of plant medicines to womanhood, strength, and a deep connection to Earth.
Reception and Artist's Talk
- Friday, September 4, 4-6 p.m.
- Free and Open to All
- Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, ll a.m.-8 p.m.
Flex Gallery Artist
Sierra Brown
September 10-December 16, 2026
While I am not an arts major, I have been interested in visual arts since I was a child. I became a member of my school's art club in 6th grade at my middle school and joined again once I became a freshman in high school. As an art club member, I got to try so many forms of art; pottery, polymer clay, watercolor, oil pastels. During this time, I joined another club and picked up the hobby of photography and have kept this hobby ever since. In all my work, none of my subjects are human. I take inspiration from the natural world and outer space. As a meteorology and geography major, this is how I mix art and science in my life. The artwork in this Flex Gallery exhibit are fruits which I painted during Perspective Gallery’s Pop Up Acrylic Painting Studio in the CID during the fall of 2026.
Hours of Operation
Week of August 17
- Open August 19-22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
August 24-December 16
- Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Closed Sunday and Monday and during university breaks and holidays.
For additional information contact:
Perspective Gallery (0138)
225 Squires Student Center
290 College Avenue
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-6040 (Phone)
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