Community Calendar

A new month means new artwork at Arts Council of the Valley’s Smith House Galleries! Kicking off with an opening reception Friday, May 1, lovely paintings and ceramic works fill the Rhapsody Room and Darrin-McHone Gallery at the Smith House in TWO new exhibitions: "Young Warriors" by Richmond-based artist Sukenya Best and "Water’s Journey" by Virginia Beach-based artist Anna Freeman.

Stop by throughout May to explore mixed media paintings and sculptural works speaking to resilience, protection, strength, and tranquility. Opening reception festivities (during First Fridays of the Valley May 1, 5-7 pm) include an opportunity to meet and hear from both visiting artists; complimentary refreshments; and popup, pay-what-you-will live portrait-drawing sessions (20 minutes each) by guest artist Will Stroud on the Smith House patio!

Both May exhibitions, sponsored by The UPS Store #6595, will be on view through May 29, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm AND Second Saturday (May 9), 10 am-2 pm.

Learn more at valleyarts.org!

This class will provide aspiring actors with the tools they need to smoothly go from first read-through to opening night. Participants will learn proven techniques for analyzing a script and understanding a character’s motivations, and practice essential skills for working with scene partners, making bold choices, and being creative in the rehearsal room. This class is open to anyone who is curious about how to get started in acting, with no experience required. Whether you are keen to get on the stage yourself, or even to understand the process of those you enjoy watching on stage, this class is for you. This class will be entirely practical.

This introductory playwriting course invites adult learners to explore the fundamentals of writing for the stage in a supportive, creative environment. Participants will examine various dramatic structures, engage with key narrative conventions, and experiment with techniques that bring stories to the stage through dialogue, character, and action. Through guided exercises, discussions, and writing prompts, participants will develop original pieces of dramatic art while gaining a deeper understanding of how plays are often built to function as meaning machines. This class offers a mix of practical application and theoretical discussion.

A farm-to-table experience that will fuel our growth: Chef Throwdown Benefiting Jones Gardens- September 7, 2026 @ 5:30pm (Location TBD)

Jones Gardens invites Virginia chefs to apply for a friendly Farm-to-Table Chef Throwdown, featured as part of a lively, ticketed fundraising dinner celebrating local food, farms, and community.

Each selected chef will be paired with a Virginia farm and challenged to create a dish that highlights the farm’s ingredients and a thoughtful farm-to-table approach. Guests will enjoy the event as both entertainment and dining, tasting inspired dishes while cheering on chef–farm teams.

All proceeds benefit Jones Gardens, and help fuel our operations, particularly a new and exciting venture that will break soon break ground, which will bring more programming and education to the community.

What Chefs Receive

Stipend for participation
Volunteer assistance during prep and service (if needed)
Exposure to a broad, food-loving community audience through our social media and website, as well as potential to be featured in local news broadcastings
Collaboration with a Virginia farm
A fun, high-energy competition for a meaningful cause

Chef Requirements (Seeking 2-3 chefs)

Must apply via the Jones Gardens website
Must Prepare at least one dish that contributes to the full course meal (either an appetizer, entree or desert)
Submit a short video clip showing yourself preparing a dish and explaining your process
Be genuinely passionate about Jones Gardens’ mission and local food systems

Chefs of all backgrounds and culinary styles are encouraged to apply.

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.

A new month means new artwork at Arts Council of the Valley’s Smith House Galleries! Kicking off with an opening reception Friday, May 1, lovely paintings and ceramic works fill the Rhapsody Room and Darrin-McHone Gallery at the Smith House in TWO new exhibitions: "Young Warriors" by Richmond-based artist Sukenya Best and "Water’s Journey" by Virginia Beach-based artist Anna Freeman.

Stop by throughout May to explore mixed media paintings and sculptural works speaking to resilience, protection, strength, and tranquility. Opening reception festivities (during First Fridays of the Valley May 1, 5-7 pm) include an opportunity to meet and hear from both visiting artists; complimentary refreshments; and popup, pay-what-you-will live portrait-drawing sessions (20 minutes each) by guest artist Will Stroud on the Smith House patio!

Both May exhibitions, sponsored by The UPS Store #6595, will be on view through May 29, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm AND Second Saturday (May 9), 10 am-2 pm.

Learn more at valleyarts.org!

The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) offers classes for all ages and skill levels in Irish dance, music and singing. The winter/spring semester begins on January 20 & 22 and runs for 12 weeks.

Building and supporting our community is what we do at the LIFEworks Project! We invite you to shop our client choice grocery outlet today from 4:30pm-7pm.
The River City Bread Basket is located at 505 N. Winchester Ave. in Waynesboro, Va.
Select what works best for you and your family! Grab a shopping cart and not a box!
All items are available while supplies last! Meat, eggs, dairy and more! All FREE!
Call 540-251-2381 to register
We’ll see you soon! #ThriveThursday
#distributionwithdignity #buildcommunity
#foodjustice #empowerment

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