Small art associations come and go. Struggles to survive seem to be part of the fabric as times change over the years. I joined the Blacksburg Regional Art Association (BRAA) in 2010 soon after arriving in town when it was at a bit of a low point. Today, at the age of 70, it is better than ever. In recognition of that milestone, our newsletter editor, Lois Stephens, and I spent many hours searching old files to piece together the …
No one would argue last year won’t go down in history as the year-of-cancellations. No concerts, no festivals, no trips abroad or, for that matter, even to a neighboring state. Most industries …
What do small eclectic towns with local artisans and shops do when faced with a pandemic like they’ve never encountered? They find ingenious ways to stay well, be creative and bring their …
If Truman Capone’s life were a 3-act play, Act One would open in an elementary school in Pittsburgh. His artistic talent was recognized at a young age when he won contests for …
This year marks the Floyd Center for the Arts’ 25th year. Throughout two and a half decades, the Center has been an advocate for Floyd artists by providing studio space, fostering art …
The arts can change people’s hearts, change their minds, and change their lives. – P. Buckley Moss, artist and philanthropist Famous American composer and pianist Philip Glass was the opening performer …
Fiber artist Fran Stafford of Newport has called herself many things in her career – spinner, knitter, crocheter, but the Livestock Conservancy would subsume all of those under one title, Sheep Employment …
We’ve all driven by the green and orange signs with the iconic banjo. Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, designated as such by the Virginia General Assembly, is a 330-mile driving route that winds …
He’s not under a spreading chestnut tree, but Joshua Langfitt IS making a living these days as a blacksmith. He is the lead blacksmith at Smithfield Plantation, which means he has trained …
More often than not, a monumental moment in time isn’t marked with bells, whistles or a hallelujah chorus. When a destined life path is discovered, sometimes it’s something more subtle or simple …