CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The sixth edition of Charlottesville’s Finest, the annual magazine recognizing the best in the area’s businesses, people and places as voted by the community, was released Wednesday.

And this year, the cover art was crafted to do more than just catch readers’ eyes. 

Local artist Josi Williams designed the magazine’s cover, a vibrant, pop art depiction of downtown Charlottesville.

Williams is raising money to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Donors who give $200 to the cause through Williams’s page will receive an exclusive, 11 x 14-inch color print of the cover art.

“They do a lot of really important work for those affected by cystic fibrosis,” Williams told Cville Right Now. “Over the past couple of decades, they’ve made some real improvements for those folks.”

Williams is a self-taught artist. She said she never took art classes after high school in Leesburg and studied architecture at the University of Virginia, where she played volleyball for the Cavaliers.

“It’s really just been a hobby of mine since the time I was a young girl,” Williams said. “I don’t even think anyone in my family ever encouraged me to pick up art. I’ve just really always loved painting and drawing.”
Williams does sell her prints, though she said she normally only tackles a project when “inspiration strikes.” The cover piece was done specifically for the magazine. She worked on it for 2-3 months.

The original is 11 x 14 and is mixed media — a combination of a pencil sketch, line work with a micron pen, a paint wash and colored pencil shading.

This year’s edition of Charlottesville’s Finest saw over 50,000 votes cast and 356 businesses recognized for the top two spots in 178 categories, honoring everything from the best apartment complexes to wine shops.

“Charlottesville’s Finest is really a celebration of everything that makes our community special,” said Garrett Klingel, President and General Manager of Charlottesville Media Group, which publishes the magazine. “Over 1,000 businesses were nominated and more than 50,000 votes were cast this year to recognize the businesses, organizations, and people who make Charlottesville such a great place to live, work, and visit. We’re incredibly proud to help shine a spotlight on those local success stories.”

Editor’s Note: Charlottesville Media Group owns and operates cvillerightnow.com.