Community Calendar

In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Pink.” The members will present their unique interpretations of the theme in each work of art which is 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! Exhibition opening is May 3, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will be open to the public May 3 - 31, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro 22980.

Hey bluegrass jammers come join the Waynesboro Music Bluegrass Jam at Shenandoah Valley Art Center, Saturday, June 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Jam sessions will be held in the 416 West Main St. Gallery which will give expanded space allowing for break-off jams, if merited. We will stick with the format of passing tunes in a circle and passing the hat to support the musicians, which is, of course, optional. The art center is also a terrific gallery space so check out the exhibits. There will be seating or standing room for participants. Come pick, listen, or hang out with a friend! All are welcome! (Every 4th Saturday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.,416 W. Main Street, Waynesboro, Va. 22980, Free!)

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: The Joy of Hand Drumming with Mae Stoll. There’s something so pure and primal about playing a drum and something so joyful about doing it in a group! Join us for a vibrant 2-hour workshop that covers the foundations of West African percussion – its cultural background, basic hand strokes and simple rhythmic patterns that any beginner can learn. Experience the visceral enjoyment of making music with your own hands and the infectious energy of playing alongside others while creating powerful and uplifting group rhythm. Come ready to laugh, learn, and to let the vibrant pulse of West African drumming move you. No prior musical experience? Don’t own a drum? NO problem! Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to feel the beat! Mae Stoll has been teaching and sharing her rhythmic bliss with others for the past 17 years and currently offers weekly classes in a large studio on a lovely property about 6 miles south of Staunton. Look for more information on her website and feel free to contact her if you have any questions about this workshop. (June 29, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., $25, register www.svacart.com/sdult-classes-1 , Information: 540-255-9331, comedrumforfun@gmail.com , 416 West Main St. Waynesboro, Va. 22980)

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center, during the month of June, is exhibiting the artwork of Jane Skafte in the 416 W. Main Street Gallery. Skafte commented, “I am interested in design as a way of expressing ideas and exploring the relationship between realism and abstract principles. I am fascinated by rhythms created by natural forms and their shadows and make carefully defined compositions while offering a closeup look into inner spaces. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me. All of my work reflects a profound appreciation for the environment. I strive to create art that is a poetic rather than a literal depiction of my subject matter, even when drawn to representational landscapes and plant studies. I started working in watercolor several years ago when I transitioned from being primarily a fiber artist, because watercolor had similarities to dyes on cloth. Since then, transparent watercolor has become my favorite medium. I am constantly discovering new possibilities -- from abstraction to realism, precision to blurred suggestions of form. My most recent body of work explores landscapes and natural forms in new palettes—exaggerated, filtered and composed in magnified and cropped compositions. I start with personal reference photographs from my walks. The emerging blooms, new leaves, expressions of natural form through the life cycle at various times of year and different lighting conditions provide much inspiration.” The exhibition will be open to the public: June 3 – 28, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 416 W. Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Printing Bee, collaborative work session designed for a small group of printmakers to come together, share ideas, and provide creative support to one another. It takes place in the print studio Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the possibility of extending the session if there's no afternoon class scheduled. Due to limited printing space, attendance and press reservations are managed on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your spot or inquire about availability, please contact Joan Menard by texting 304-646-0297. (Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28.

Arts Council of the Valley invites you to join in the arts-focused fun on the First Friday* of EVERY month! Throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, 38 venues offer a variety of new art exhibitions, live performances, poetry, comedy, music, artmaking activities, food, and so much more. You can find a list of venues, online map, and details for all First Fridays of the Valley events – all updated monthly – at valleyarts.org/first-fridays-of-the-valley/! Thanks to Kathy Moran Wealth Group, Exclusive Sponsor for 2025 First Fridays of the Valley.

*In 2025, July's "First Friday" arts programming will be held on THURSDAY, July 3 (NOT JULY 4)