Community Calendar

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents the Shenandoah National Park Trust works of art from the permanent collection of their Artist-in-Residence program. The Hudson River School of the mid-1800’ s turned its attention to American landscapes, providing the public with its first interpretation of parts of the country most had never seen. Talk of preserving these great places ensued and the national park system was born. The Artist-in-Residence Program was begun to inspire artists and visitors to think deeply about the value of the Shenandoah National Park. Goals were to create an understanding of the landscape of Shenandoah in new and unique ways, to increase awareness about important concepts, such as climate change and wildlife management, using images and sound that enriched visitor experiences in the park. This was achieved by inviting professional artists to interpret the landscape through traditional and contemporary art. The Trust provided seed funding to launch Shenandoah National Park’s Artist-in-Residence program in 2013 and proudly continues to fund it annually. Artists live and work in the park for three-week sessions and engage park visitors in public programs, hopefully encouraging them to become stewards of the park. The public is invited to the opening reception on January 15, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the SVAC 416 Gallery, 416 W. Main St. Waynesboro, VA 22980. The exhibition will be open to the public January 15 – February 21, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Watch and discuss a themed reel from the recently released PBS documentary, "The American Revolution," in commemoration of America's 250th.

We hope you'll join us for a series of three community screenings of the recent PBS release, “THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION” as we begin our 2026 program calendar!

Each screening will include a thirty-minute thematic reel of stories and highlights from the larger documentary, as well as a moderated conversation between audience members and university faculty and community panelists. Whether you’ve seen all eight hours of the documentary or none at all, these screenings will provide helpful context for the upcoming commemorations of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The programs will be held at 5 pm in the Northen Auditorium in Leyburn Library on the campus of Washington and Lee University. Admission is offered free of charge, and attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.

Additional Events:
February 10: Spirit of Service

Live Arts Radio PSAs
STAGE KISS
Contact andrew@livearts.org with any questions.
PSA 1
Length: 10 seconds
VO: Superstar playwright Sarah Rulh’s STAGE KISS opens at Live Arts on January 23rd, 2026 and runs through February 15th! Directed by Robert Chapel, visit livearts.org for tickets.

PSA 2
Length: 20 seconds
VO: Live Arts is pleased to present the charming and profound comedy, STAGE KISS, by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl. This witty play-within-a-play explores the hilarious and often messy lines between professional performance and personal passion, asking: when is a kiss ever just a kiss? Directed by Robert Chapel, visit livearts.org for tickets.

PSA 3
Length: 30 seconds
VO: Live Arts’ first show of the new year is Sarah Ruhl's charming comedy STAGE KISS. This witty play-within-a-play explores the hilarious and often messy lines between professional performance and personal passion, asking: when is a kiss ever just a kiss? The story centers on two actors, cast as long-lost romantic leads in a forgotten 1930s melodrama. The catch: they were once in love and haven't seen each other in years. January 23rd through February 15th at Live Arts, 123 East Water Street. Tickets at livearts.org, or call 434-977-4177. Directed by Robert Chapel, sponsored by Janet and Charles Cheeseman.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Acrylic Foundations, Techniques and Textures for all levels with Rainbow Willard. For new or experienced artists, this course offers a hands-on, supportive environment to explore the versatile world of acrylic painting. Students will learn the fundamentals of the medium through weekly exercises and guided explorations, covering color mixing, blending, layering, texture, and a variety of tools and surfaces. Each session builds on the last, leading up to a final expressive piece that allows students to put their new skills to use. Rainbow Willard is a practicing artist and art educator with a BFA in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has experience teaching all ages and specializes in drawing, painting, mixed media, and printmaking. Rainbow creates a welcoming, encouraging space where students can build confidence, explore new techniques, and make art that feels personal and fun. In lieu of paying the materials fee, students should check the class materials list at www.svacart.com . (Fee: $175 and a $20 materials fee due to instructor at beginning of class. register at www.rainbowwillard.com/shop, 6 week course,

The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of August, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is presenting Elizabeth Moss: Passages Through Art, Myth, Magic, and Healing. Moss built a career in arts administration and curatorial pursuits. As a seasoned visual artist, Elizabeth has spent over two decades exploring the power of symbolism, storytelling, and nature through her work. A deep personal vision- one rooted in mythology, sacred imagery, and the organic forms of the natural world are reflected in her work. In her own words, “I have a fascination with symbols and the effect these images can have on the subconscious. Serendipitously, symbols keep showing up in my life, and as a result in my work. My imagination is inspired by myth, sacred icons, the gods and goddesses, masks, and Mother Gaia. Especially by the ocean and the forest. Both provide evocative opportunities to observe the geometry and symbols created by nature. The story is there to be discovered in each line, whorl and tint of color. The artwork I create speaks to the universal connection I feel we all have with each other and the natural world.” The exhibition opening will be August 2, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and guests are welcome to meet and talk to the artist The exhibition is open to the public August 2 – September 27, 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.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents the Shenandoah National Park Trust works of art from the permanent collection of their Artist-in-Residence program. The Hudson River School of the mid-1800’ s turned its attention to American landscapes, providing the public with its first interpretation of parts of the country most had never seen. Talk of preserving these great places ensued and the national park system was born. The Artist-in-Residence Program was begun to inspire artists and visitors to think deeply about the value of the Shenandoah National Park. Goals were to create an understanding of the landscape of Shenandoah in new and unique ways, to increase awareness about important concepts, such as climate change and wildlife management, using images and sound that enriched visitor experiences in the park. This was achieved by inviting professional artists to interpret the landscape through traditional and contemporary art. The Trust provided seed funding to launch Shenandoah National Park’s Artist-in-Residence program in 2013 and proudly continues to fund it annually. Artists live and work in the park for three-week sessions and engage park visitors in public programs, hopefully encouraging them to become stewards of the park. The public is invited to the opening reception on January 15, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the SVAC 416 Gallery, 416 W. Main St. Waynesboro, VA 22980. The exhibition will be open to the public January 15 – February 21, Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SVAC Thursday’s Painting Group is a meeting of artists who want to paint! Artists bring their own supplies and gather at SVAC on Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at no cost to participants. Take advantage of your fellow painters for inspiration and light critique if you are interested. Come relax, share ideas or techniques, and independently work in the medium of your choice! Please call Shenandoah Valley Art Center if you are interested in joining and reserving a space! (540-949-7662, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 416 W. Main St., Waynesboro, VA 22980)

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.

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