Charlottesville is a city filled with local-loving people, and a spirit of community and collaboration unlike anywhere else. Every week, Cville Niche will celebrate that spirit by featuring a local’s top picks.
Check out previous local check-ins!
Photo credit: Elisa Bricker
Lauren Stonestreet
This local lady is a photographer and creative director, dancer, and musician. Her presence is invigorating, and her work is stunning. A Charlottesville transplant by way of West Virginia, Lauren is cultivating her art in the rich local art community.
And she’s currently offering two seasonal specials!
Family Portrait Session: 20% off family portrait sessions if you book before December 25th! A great holiday gift.
Start-Up Promotional Shoot: 1 Hour of Hair + Makeup by local stylist, Sarah Hatch & 1 Hour Portrait Shoot On-Location with Lauren! 20% off if you book before January 1st.
Describe what you do in town.
The arts brought me to Charlottesville. I was here almost every month over the last few years to come and create with local artists. Finally, this past spring, I made the move. It has been so rewarding. I’m a Photographer / Creative Director (www.elleeffect.com), a modern dancer, and musician. Needless to say, my life revolves around creating — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Describe yourself in 5 syllables or less.
listener & mover
Top Picks
A favorite dish in town.
If you know me, it’s all about brunch. I’d say my go-to item on any brunch list is at Bluegrass Grill: Joan Marie’s Special omelette. It’s heaven with a side of toast.
A favorite drink in town.
I’d drive out to Blenheim and enjoy a slow glass of their Painted Red. That atmosphere is beautiful, quiet and tucked away.
A favorite weekly or monthly food special.
C&O is my next spot: Dark & Stormy with some close friends on a Tuesday night after 10pm to hit their late night specials… get their grilled cheese and tomato bisque (need I say more?).
A favorite local musician.
There’s a few musicians who are continually inspiring to me in this town — Dillingham (Tucker MacDonald), Michael Coleman, and Calie Garrett. I know, I know, I should choose one, but all of these musicians have changed the way I see Charlottesville. Each one is worth checking out. Tucker got me plugged in to the music scene here and is amazing to create with. Michael and I have started singing and collaborating together, his soulful songwriting style is absolutely amazing. And Calie, her voice, writing, and music continually inspire. She is a mover and shaker.
A favorite local fitness class / event.
Okay, so I had to choose this one. More than a specific event, there have been specific dancers I’ve met in town that love to get together — wherever we can — and move! I danced professionally in Cleveland, OH for years with modern dance company, Inlet Dance Theatre and Without Words Movement — and to find a similar dance community here has been incredible. I’m looking forward to what photographs and choreography I’ll create with the dancers I’m continuing to meet!
Cville Niche 
June 1st, 2015 → 4:48 pm
[…] All photos by Lauren Stonestreet […]