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2007 Visual Arts Center Annual Report (pdf)Press
Letter from Jo
Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life. -- Mary Oliver
By the time you read this, we will have completed the east wing portion of our renovation and be moving ahead with the central core of the building that houses the new True F. Luck Gallery, the commons area and the main entranceway. We will be almost “home.” Like all renovation projects, we’ve experienced some rough spots, a few surprises and a couple disappointments. But on the whole, the journey of the building’s transformation has been one of affirmation.
We have been affirmed in our trust in our stakeholders and donors -- individuals, corporations and foundations -- to see us through the largest financial undertaking in the organization’s history. We have been affirmed in our belief that the integrity and character of the building, the old Virginia Dairy, would re-emerge, more vibrant than ever and certainly a great deal more functional and efficient. And finally, we have been affirmed in our perception that this project would become an important impetus for the growing artistic energy of the Richmond community. Over the last few years, in this immediate neighborhood alone, we’ve witnessed a host of new art galleries, new restaurants and shops, and, most importantly, a plethora of new affordable residences. The Main and Cary Street corridors have truly become a blended-use community where people can live, work and play. Happily, the Visual Arts Center has been at the heart and soul of this transformation.
More than just renovating space, we have focused our efforts on creating a sense of place. A place where people from all backgrounds and all skill levels can gather to experience art and the creative process. A place where children and adults alike can engage with artists to question, experiment, explore. A place whose mission is not to produce more artists, although that is a happy byproduct, but rather to allow us to explore the fullness of our being … our intellect, our emotions, our intuition, our imaginations. More functional workshop space, a beautiful expanded gallery and inviting common areas are all part of our exciting new space. But more importantly, they provide a very real and welcoming place for fueling and renewing the creative spirit of our community. Clearly, art is a powerful tool for building community.
Come celebrate with us the first weekend in December as we cut the ribbons, float balloons, and embrace all that you have helped us achieve. Please check the calendar of events and make a commitment to be here on one of the days of celebration. Also, check out the article on the new and revamped Craft & Design show the weekend before Thanksgiving. We listened to your feedback and have designed this year’s show to be The Best of the Best. Don’t miss it at its new venue -- the Science Museum of Virginia on Broad Street. It promises to be the best yet. And finally, make sure you read the article on xxxxxx, who uses what he learns from his art classes in glass, clay and painting to help him show his Randolph Macon students how art and culture have been the common fabric of different civilizations.
And if I haven’t yet said “thank you” for all that you have done and are still doing to help the Visual Arts Center enrich lives and build community, all the more reason for you to stop by to see us and take a tour. I would love to thank you in person. We hope to see you soon.
Craft & Design
Now accepting artist applications for 2008 at zapplication.org. Deadline: May 25
Adult Summer Classes
The 2008 adult class schedule is now posted!
Artventure
Check out the Summer Artventure class schedule!
