Jenni Kirby

Jenni Kirby is a native of Smyth County, Virginia, and a graduate of Marion Senior High School. She earned a degree in Business Management from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Today, she is both a successful gallery owner and an accomplished mosaic artist. Gallery Owner & Entrepreneur In 2002, Jenni Kirby and fellow artist James Bassfield opened Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, Virginia, in a 10,000-square-foot space. Over the past two decades, the gallery has grown to more than 25,000 square feet and represents over 300 artists, making it one of the largest galleries in the country and offering the broadest selection of art in Central Virginia. Crossroads Art Center was built on the idea that talented artists deserve a place to show and sell their work, even if they might not traditionally fit into high-end gallery spaces. Jenni has focused on creating an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and accessible—never pretentious—where artists and collectors alike feel comfortable exploring and experiencing art. In recognition of her leadership and entrepreneurial success, Jenni was named “Distinguished Retailer of the Year” by the Retail Merchants Association in 2016. Crossroads Art Center will proudly celebrate its 24th anniversary May 1, 2026. Artist & Educator Jenni began studying mosaics in 1997 in Orlando, Florida, under artist Michelle Petno. After relocating to Richmond in 1999, she began teaching mosaic classes from her studio at Shockoe Bottom Art Center and later taught at numerous institutions including: • The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts • The Visual Arts Center of Richmond • John Tyler Community College • J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College • University of Richmond • Crossroads Art Center Jenni further advanced her studies internationally in Rome and Ravenna, Italy, studying with Enzo Aiello—who trained at the Vatican—and attending the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna. She believes mosaics have an almost contagious creative energy. The medium, she says, is relaxing, therapeutic, endlessly interesting—and best of all, anyone can learn it. Personal Philosophy Jenni credits much of her work ethic to her father (stepfather), a business owner who built a successful company that continues to operate today under employee ownership. Watching him run a business instilled in her the values of hard work, persistence, and solving problems creatively. Her early career experiences also shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. She worked at Hitt Contracting in Northern Virginia handling accounts receivable and payable, gaining valuable insight into the financial side of business. She later worked in sales for an office furniture company and managed ordering for approximately 30 stores while working with Hallmark Cards—an experience that strengthened her organizational and operational skills. Jenni is known for persistence, problem-solving, and the ability to “roll a problem around from every angle” until the best solution emerges. She also credits a trusted group of friends—her unofficial “Board of Directors”—who help her brainstorm ideas and think outside the box. Business Philosophy & Vision One of the greatest challenges Jenni faced as a business owner was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, Crossroads Art Center pivoted quickly to online sales and digital marketing, helping the business survive a difficult period for the arts. Looking toward the future, Jenni believes the art market will increasingly rely on a strong digital presence and online sales platforms. While galleries will always play an important role in showcasing artwork in person, she sees a future where collectors discover work online first and then experience pieces in person before purchasing. Her long-term vision is to continue growing and sustaining Crossroads Art Center, eventually transitioning ownership when the time is right so the gallery can continue supporting artists for years to come. Personal Life & Interests Jenni enjoys art, travel, history, cooking, hiking, and exploring new places. She believes travel broadens perspective and helps shape people into better thinkers, creators, and business owners. As she often says, advice from friends in their 80s and 90s still rings true: “See the world while you are young.”