PHOTOS: Art exhibit auctions former Virginia Gov. Wilder’s paintings to raise funds for scholarships

Jan 19, 2026 - 00:25

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PHOTOS: Art exhibit auctions former Virginia Gov. Wilder’s paintings to raise funds for scholarships

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- To celebrate former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder's birthday, an art exhibit featuring paintings created by the governor was held on Sunday afternoon.

On Jan. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m., a celebration for Wilder's 95th birthday was held at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia that featured original works painted by Wilder.

Wilder served as Virginia's 66th governor from 1990 to 1994 and was the first elected African American governor in U.S. history.

"In addition to this celebration and raising funding for students, you have been representative of the excellence of the Commonwealth, and we are so proud to be a part of that," said Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr., president of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. "I admire your commitment, your sacrifice, and we're just happy to be here in order to celebrate you and all that you've done in your life."

(Photo: Ethan Thompson/ 8News)

Select artwork at this event was auctioned off, with the proceeds going toward The L. Douglas Wilder's National Ovation Scholarship, which is dedicated to helping the next generation of public servants.

The scholarships are provided for undergraduate students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. They are also available to students enrolled in a master's degree program at the Wilder School who have earned an undergraduate degree at Virginia Union University or Howard University.

"Gov. Wilder, thank you so much for being a leader I can look up to," said Joseph Levy, one of the scholarship recipients. "Thank you for seeing my potential, for opening doors and for breaking down barriers for people who look like me, and also showing me that one person's belief can change a life."

The auction featuring select artworks from the collection is open from Sunday, Jan. 18, until Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia loacted at 122 W. Leigh St.