Community Calendar

Visit Smith House Galleries this month through Aug 28 for meticulously embroidered works; thoughtful paintings; ceramics, photography, video, and more in two featured exhibitions: “Family of Things” by Halley Conrad & “role” by Prusha Nor. Both shows kick off Aug 7, 5-7 pm, during an opening reception (which also features a special performance by Grace Altman, Christabell DeMichele, and Judith Hoffman of Eunoia Theatre).

Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours Second Saturday, Aug 8, 10 am-2 pm (including three more Eunoia performances at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm, as well as live plein air painting and time with the artists). Admission is free!

ABOUT THE ART:

“Family of Things” draws inspiration from the poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. Conrad shares that, through her art, she seeks to explore “the intricate, often invisible threads that bind lives across generations — threads of sacrifices, joy, and pain. I am in constant dialogue with the women around me and those who came before me: my grandmother, my mother, my sisters and the countless women whose experiences are woven into the fabric of who I am today. By understanding these generations of women through my work, I strive to better understand myself and the world around me. My most recent work has been predominantly in hand embroidery, embracing but also subverting the history of ‘women’s work’ and second-wave feminist art. My process of stitching is slow and thoughtful, creating space for quiet reflections.”

“role”: Of her work, Nor says, “The concept of moral dissonance threads contradictions through my flat layers, charcoal washes and muted tones against solid colors. The complexities of my Halabja heritage and Islamic upbringing appear in my work not as a fixed identity, but as a question formed by internal conflict. I confront cultural obligations and magnify micro‑rules that dictate how women should exist. These pieces express vulnerability, preservation, and instability through materials that resist, dissolve, and bind.”

Visit the Turner Pavilion every third Thursday from 5 to 8pm June through August to enjoy live music, local artisans and farmers, food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities with community organizations. Check our Facebook and Instagram for info about activities and vendors!

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of July, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery and newly designated Members’ Building, will present an exhibition themed “Blue.” The members will present their unique interpretations in each work of art, priced to accommodate art collectors seeking pieces to expand their collection. The public is invited to view the exhibition, remembering that the art center serves the community by recognizing talent, encouraging creativity, and joining lives through art! An exhibition opening will be held on August 7. The public is invited to come and meet the artists from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public August 7 – September 26 , Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at 126 S. Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Visit Smith House Galleries this month through Aug 28 for meticulously embroidered works; thoughtful paintings; ceramics, photography, video, and more in two featured exhibitions: “Family of Things” by Halley Conrad & “role” by Prusha Nor. Both shows kick off Aug 7, 5-7 pm, during an opening reception (which also features a special performance by Grace Altman, Christabell DeMichele, and Judith Hoffman of Eunoia Theatre).

Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours Second Saturday, Aug 8, 10 am-2 pm (including three more Eunoia performances at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm, as well as live plein air painting and time with the artists). Admission is free!

ABOUT THE ART:

“Family of Things” draws inspiration from the poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. Conrad shares that, through her art, she seeks to explore “the intricate, often invisible threads that bind lives across generations — threads of sacrifices, joy, and pain. I am in constant dialogue with the women around me and those who came before me: my grandmother, my mother, my sisters and the countless women whose experiences are woven into the fabric of who I am today. By understanding these generations of women through my work, I strive to better understand myself and the world around me. My most recent work has been predominantly in hand embroidery, embracing but also subverting the history of ‘women’s work’ and second-wave feminist art. My process of stitching is slow and thoughtful, creating space for quiet reflections.”

“role”: Of her work, Nor says, “The concept of moral dissonance threads contradictions through my flat layers, charcoal washes and muted tones against solid colors. The complexities of my Halabja heritage and Islamic upbringing appear in my work not as a fixed identity, but as a question formed by internal conflict. I confront cultural obligations and magnify micro‑rules that dictate how women should exist. These pieces express vulnerability, preservation, and instability through materials that resist, dissolve, and bind.”

Visit the Turner Pavilion every third Thursday from 5 to 8pm June through August to enjoy live music, local artisans and farmers, food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities with community organizations. Check our Facebook and Instagram for info about activities and vendors!

Come learn the sport of rugby while getting fit and making great friends. All are welcome. No experience necessary.

Oak Grove theater concludes its summer season with "The Outsider": Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for the worst candidate to ever run for office…. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

Join us for live theater outdoors under the stars at beautiful Oak Grove Theater; performances begin at 8:45pm sharp, but attendees are welcome to come early and encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Oak Grove Theater sells tickets for the season - one season ticket purchase allows you to see each show once; tickets for a single performance are not available. Learn more and purchase your season tickets here

Visit Smith House Galleries this month through Aug 28 for meticulously embroidered works; thoughtful paintings; ceramics, photography, video, and more in two featured exhibitions: “Family of Things” by Halley Conrad & “role” by Prusha Nor. Both shows kick off Aug 7, 5-7 pm, during an opening reception (which also features a special performance by Grace Altman, Christabell DeMichele, and Judith Hoffman of Eunoia Theatre).

Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours Second Saturday, Aug 8, 10 am-2 pm (including three more Eunoia performances at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm, as well as live plein air painting and time with the artists). Admission is free!

ABOUT THE ART:

“Family of Things” draws inspiration from the poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. Conrad shares that, through her art, she seeks to explore “the intricate, often invisible threads that bind lives across generations — threads of sacrifices, joy, and pain. I am in constant dialogue with the women around me and those who came before me: my grandmother, my mother, my sisters and the countless women whose experiences are woven into the fabric of who I am today. By understanding these generations of women through my work, I strive to better understand myself and the world around me. My most recent work has been predominantly in hand embroidery, embracing but also subverting the history of ‘women’s work’ and second-wave feminist art. My process of stitching is slow and thoughtful, creating space for quiet reflections.”

“role”: Of her work, Nor says, “The concept of moral dissonance threads contradictions through my flat layers, charcoal washes and muted tones against solid colors. The complexities of my Halabja heritage and Islamic upbringing appear in my work not as a fixed identity, but as a question formed by internal conflict. I confront cultural obligations and magnify micro‑rules that dictate how women should exist. These pieces express vulnerability, preservation, and instability through materials that resist, dissolve, and bind.”

Visit the Turner Pavilion every third Thursday from 5 to 8pm June through August to enjoy live music, local artisans and farmers, food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities with community organizations. Check our Facebook and Instagram for info about activities and vendors!

Oak Grove theater concludes its summer season with "The Outsider": Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for the worst candidate to ever run for office…. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

Join us for live theater outdoors under the stars at beautiful Oak Grove Theater; performances begin at 8:45pm sharp, but attendees are welcome to come early and encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Oak Grove Theater sells tickets for the season - one season ticket purchase allows you to see each show once; tickets for a single performance are not available. Learn more and purchase your season tickets here