Community Calendar

New Voices in Dance 2026 is a captivating performance that brings together student choreographers, faculty, and guest artists to celebrate the power of creativity, movement, and collaboration. This show is an immersive exploration of contemporary dance, showcasing a rich array of innovative choreography and bold artistic vision. The performance will feature the unique perspectives of emerging choreographers, working in concert with established artists, fostering a dynamic exchange of energy, expression, and physicality. With each moment sparking new conversations, New Voices in Dance offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the next wave of dance artists unfold before your eyes.

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.

In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Red.” 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 will be open to the public February 7 - 28, 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.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents Stretch and Release Yoga with Paula Figgatt and Leslie Chisnell. Gather in the Heart of Downtown Waynesboro for a meditative experience that benefits the mind while increasing your range of flexibility and centeredness in the body. Stretch & Release Yoga targets the fascia and connective tissues including tendons, ligaments and bones while creating suppleness, openness and health for our inner organs and muscles. By stilling the mind, bring the awareness deeply inward to create peace and relaxation to restore and renew the Spirit! (Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $10 per session, Tuesday, February 3 – April 14, 6:05 - 7:00 p.m., 416 Gallery, 416 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980)

Once upon a time, a young prince threw a royal ball to choose his future bride! Everyone in the kingdom was invited, but Cinderella was forced to stay behind by her devious stepfather, Don Magnifico, and her shallow stepsister. However, with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella wins the day, transforming herself-and the kingdom-along the way. Adapted for young audiences and featuring beloved music from two different adaptations of the classic fairytale, this family opera is sure to delight audiences of all ages, leaving everyone with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. 35-minute children’s opera sung in English. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

New Voices in Dance 2026 is a captivating performance that brings together student choreographers, faculty, and guest artists to celebrate the power of creativity, movement, and collaboration. This show is an immersive exploration of contemporary dance, showcasing a rich array of innovative choreography and bold artistic vision. The performance will feature the unique perspectives of emerging choreographers, working in concert with established artists, fostering a dynamic exchange of energy, expression, and physicality. With each moment sparking new conversations, New Voices in Dance offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the next wave of dance artists unfold before your eyes.

The House of Bernarda Alba is a provocative drama set in a small, Spanish village, which follows the legacy of Bernarda Alba, the matriarch, and her five daughters. Living under Bernarda’s control as they mourn their father’s passing, these sisters seek a world beyond their mother’s walls. Enticing audiences for 80 years, The House of Bernarda Alba is a gripping and timeless exploration of control, desire, and the power of the human spirit. Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and references to suicide. Parental discretion advised.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents Stretch and Release Yoga with Paula Figgatt and Leslie Chisnell. Gather in the Heart of Downtown Waynesboro for a meditative experience that benefits the mind while increasing your range of flexibility and centeredness in the body. Stretch & Release Yoga targets the fascia and connective tissues including tendons, ligaments and bones while creating suppleness, openness and health for our inner organs and muscles. By stilling the mind, bring the awareness deeply inward to create peace and relaxation to restore and renew the Spirit! (Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $10 per session, Tuesday, February 3 – April 14, 6:05 - 7:00 p.m., 416 Gallery, 416 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980)

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents: Modern Lithography with Pronto Plates with Joan Graybeal Menard. The latest form of lithography is Pronto Plate Lithography. It is a less toxic method that allows artists to make multiple prints. In this six week class you will explore the different ways to put personal images onto a plate and the process of printing. There are many options: direct drawing, playful washes, stencil printing, photo transfer, transfer of existing drawings or digitally created art, and collaging images. The concentration will be on black and white images. You will need to bring a complete art image no bigger than 6 x 9" on an 8 ½ “ x 11" paper to the first class. You will work on site with a laser printer. Joan Graybeal Menard is a multimedia artist who believes in exploring different art techniques. Her main studies in college were in printmaking. With the access to printing presses at SVAC, Joan relearned the newer, less toxic print methods that she is now sharing. For questions, contact Joan via email or text at menardjoan24@gmail.com or 304-646-0297. (Fee: $250 + a $10 supply fee for materials due to instructor at the beginning of class, Mondays, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24 , 10:00 am – 1:00 pm., 416 W. Main St., Waynesboro, VA 22980, register www.svacart.com/print-studio or call 540-949-7662)