Visual Arts Center of Richmond Expands Campus, Purchases Former Fan Tastic Thrift Property

Richmond, VA — January 22, 2026 — The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts), a nonprofit arts center serving the local community since 1963, today announced the purchase of 1914 W. Main St. in Richmond’s Fan District. The property is the former location of Fan Tastic Thrift and is just a half a block away from VisArts’ current home at 1812 W. Main St.

The sale was completed on January 22, 2026. In acquiring this building, VisArts will expand its footprint to better accommodate the needs of its growing art programs. VisArts’ current 30,000 square foot center at 1812 W. Main St. will remain its headquarters, and operations will continue as usual.

“When we saw this opportunity, we couldn’t pass it up. Our classes and community programs have doubled over the past 15 years. Although we are a group of creative people, it’s been a challenge to find creative solutions at our current location,” said Jordan Roeder, Visual Arts Center of Richmond Executive Director. “By expanding our urban campus down Main Street, we can better meet the demand from Richmonders to improve access to our programs, regardless of background, age or skill level, and truly work to make art for all.”

VisArts was able to quickly seize upon what they felt was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a commercial real estat e listing for a spacious building just a block away on W. Main Street. VisArts purchased the property for 3.2 million, which included support from a generous anonymous donor.

“We have been dreaming and planning to expand for 10 years now, all the way back to when we wrote our last strategic plan, and it means the world to have support from our community to make this dream a reality,” says Roeder.

The 1914 W. Main St. building was originally constructed in 1975 on a 0.71-acre lot, currently featuring 13,500 square feet of retail and office space and 41 parking spaces. VisArts has hired the architectural design firm, 3North and has begun conversations to redesign the facility for additional classroom, exhibition and office space.

“Main Street has been VisArts’ home for 40 years,” said Jeff Wilson, Chair of the VisArts Board of Directors. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that we can sustain VisArts’ growth over the next 40 years and beyond. We couldn’t have asked for better timing to take this next step with the purchase of this new property.”

A timeline for renovation and construction has yet to be determined between VisArts and 3North.

 

About the Visual Arts Center of Richmond

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) is dedicated to supporting artists at any stage in their artistic journey, offering classes for every level of experience, residencies for creatives looking to explore their practice, and exhibition opportunities for established and emerging artists.

Press Contact:
Abby Holcombe
Director of Marketing + Communications
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
(804) 332-5562
[email protected]