Community Calendar

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of April, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is exhibiting the artwork of Joan Graybeal Menad of New Hope, VA. Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Menard moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2012. She has created art her entire life and enjoys combining multiple media in her work. In response to an often chaotic world, Joan creates her own fantasy figures. Her calm-faced ladies emerged during Covid, when she missed seeing people’s happy expressions. She hopes they bring a sense of peace and joy to viewers. “Life Is a Stage: Welcome to Joan of Art’s World” features her beloved ceramic figures alongside new mixed-media assemblages. Step into Joan’s imaginative world and stay awhile. The public is invited to the opening reception on April 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. where you can meet and talk to the artist. The exhibition will be open to the public April 4 – May 30, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 126 S. Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Visit Smith House Galleries this month through June 26 to explore a fantastic exhibition of photo encaustic works by artist David A. Douglas! The show opens with a reception June 5, 5-7 pm. Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours June 6, 9 am-1 pm; and June 13, 10 am-2 pm. Closed June 19. Admission is free!

About the artist: David A. Douglas is a Virginia-based contemporary artist who has shown his work across the United States and abroad for over 40 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in painting from Virginia Intermont College and his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from James Madison University. His photo-encaustic works on panel blend photography with drawing and painting techniques, incorporating traditional drawing and painting materials that provide depth and texture to the images, including the use of wax. Douglas’s work is held in numerous public, private, and corporate collections, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Chrysler Museum, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and the Academy Art Museum.

In his Artist Statement, Douglas shares, “My art is a series of actions and reactions. Do one thing, look at it, and decide what to do next. It is how I have always worked, in drawing and painting, through photography, and now with the addition of the computer.”

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Loom Beading Bracelets Camp I with Cherie Witt. Learn the craft of loom beading in a four day class. Learn all the steps of designing and bead weaving. In this class students will learn how to design a bracelet on paper or a computer. They will learn to warp the loom, weave with beads, and master different ending techniques. It includes all the necessary supplies for making 3 or more bracelets.(Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $150, June 9, 10, 11, & 12, 1:00 – 4:00pm, Ages 12 - 18)

How can history help us better understand ourselves and each other? Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Christina Shutt reflects on the power of history to connect human stories and enact change in the present. Highland invites you to this lively conversation on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Highland event barn. This VA250 book series event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

Ms. Shutt is co-author of Lincoln: The Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects. Her book will be available for purchase with an opportunity to be signed by the author after the talk.

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of April, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is exhibiting the artwork of Joan Graybeal Menad of New Hope, VA. Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Menard moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2012. She has created art her entire life and enjoys combining multiple media in her work. In response to an often chaotic world, Joan creates her own fantasy figures. Her calm-faced ladies emerged during Covid, when she missed seeing people’s happy expressions. She hopes they bring a sense of peace and joy to viewers. “Life Is a Stage: Welcome to Joan of Art’s World” features her beloved ceramic figures alongside new mixed-media assemblages. Step into Joan’s imaginative world and stay awhile. The public is invited to the opening reception on April 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. where you can meet and talk to the artist. The exhibition will be open to the public April 4 – May 30, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 126 S. Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Green.” 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! The exhibition opening will be April 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public April 4 – May 30, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Visit Smith House Galleries this month through June 26 to explore a fantastic exhibition of photo encaustic works by artist David A. Douglas! The show opens with a reception June 5, 5-7 pm. Regular hours are Mon-Fri, 11 am-4 pm, with additional hours June 6, 9 am-1 pm; and June 13, 10 am-2 pm. Closed June 19. Admission is free!

About the artist: David A. Douglas is a Virginia-based contemporary artist who has shown his work across the United States and abroad for over 40 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in painting from Virginia Intermont College and his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from James Madison University. His photo-encaustic works on panel blend photography with drawing and painting techniques, incorporating traditional drawing and painting materials that provide depth and texture to the images, including the use of wax. Douglas’s work is held in numerous public, private, and corporate collections, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Chrysler Museum, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and the Academy Art Museum.

In his Artist Statement, Douglas shares, “My art is a series of actions and reactions. Do one thing, look at it, and decide what to do next. It is how I have always worked, in drawing and painting, through photography, and now with the addition of the computer.”

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Loom Beading Bracelets Camp I with Cherie Witt. Learn the craft of loom beading in a four day class. Learn all the steps of designing and bead weaving. In this class students will learn how to design a bracelet on paper or a computer. They will learn to warp the loom, weave with beads, and master different ending techniques. It includes all the necessary supplies for making 3 or more bracelets.(Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $150, June 9, 10, 11, & 12, 1:00 – 4:00pm, Ages 12 - 18)

Echoes from the Lens
Photos from the Marshman Collection
June 12 – August 2, 2026

A compelling exhibition featuring works by renowned photographers including Sally Mann, Paul Strand, Imogen Cunningham, Emmet Gowin, and Ralph Eugene Meatyard. Drawn from the collection of Janet and Frank Marshman, this exhibition presents a diverse range of perspectives and approaches. Experience the evolution of photography as both an Art form and a unique way of seeing the world. Each work captures intimate, experimental, and
enduring moments that invite reflection and deeper appreciation.

Opening Reception June 12th from 5-8 PM. All are Welcome!

Sponsored By: RZ Foundation and Maude and the Bear

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Floral Still Life Painting for Beginners with Anna Bryant. This beginner oil painting class is a perfect introduction to the media you've always wanted to try. Join Anna for a foray into the world of oil painting for a day. Students will learn the basics of paint handling, color mixing, how to lay out a composition, and the process of building up color to create form. We will work from a provided still life and students will leave with a finished floral painting. Registration and materials list: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee $75, June 13, 10:00am – 2:00pm)