In the Ann White Academy Gallery, Wax, Wind, & Fire brings together five encaustic artists whose works are rich in texture, atmosphere, and layered storytelling. Amanda Smith, Christine Rooney, Giselle Gautreau, Gina Louthian-Stanley, and Gail Haile each approach the medium in distinct ways—whether through photography, monotype printing, or abstract forms—yet all share a sensitivity to nature, memory, and transformation. This group show offers a contemplative experience, inviting viewers to look closely and reflect. The result is a beautifully curated collection that highlights the elemental quality of wax and the emotional depth it can hold.

Both exhibitions speak to the power of process and material, and together they offer a wide range of artworks that would make thoughtful additions to any space. Whether you’re drawn to the raw strength of wood or the quiet richness of encaustic, these pieces are available for purchase through the Academy’s online art sales platform, Artistica.shop. Explore the collections, support local artists, and find work that resonates with you.

On view from August 1–29, the Academy Center of the Arts invites you to explore two new exhibitions during gallery hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

The post August Exhibitions at the Academy: Rooted in Nature, Shaped by Hand appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

We kicked off April with a special MOMIX Student Matinee, welcoming over 150 middle and high school students from public, private, and homeschool communities to the Historic Academy Theatre. MOMIX, an internationally renowned company of dancer-illusionists led by Moses Pendleton, is celebrated for its stunning fusion of movement, light, and illusion. Students experienced a Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)-aligned performance that connected dance with science, visual art, and physical expression—broadening their understanding of how the arts intersect with education. For many, the highlight was a post-show Q&A session with the performers, offering a rare and exciting chance to engage directly with international touring artists.

The performance of MOMIX was made possible thanks to generous corporate support from Schewel Home and Bank of the James. In addition, funding from the Al Stroobants Foundation directly enabled us to offer this dynamic and engaging student field trip opportunity.

Later in the month, our Academy Youth Theatre program brought magic to the stage with a full-scale production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. This beloved program invites young people from across Central Virginia to take part in a professional-style theatre experience, from audition to final curtain call. Through guided instruction in acting, movement, choreography, and stagecraft, students gain valuable performance skills while building confidence, teamwork, and creative expression.

At the heart of the Academy Youth Theatre is a deep commitment to access. Thanks to generous donors and corporate sponsors—including Foster Fuels, IWT, and Runk & Pratt—the Academy offers tuition assistance to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers. Dozens of students participated in Alice in Wonderland this season through our Tuition Access program—ensuring that all young artists have the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

This spring also marked the launch of the Young Storytellers: Script to Stage program at Amelon Elementary School in Amherst County, reinforcing our mission to expand rural arts access.

The program paired 5th grade students with trained college-age mentors who guided them through a 10-week journey of writing their own original plays. With the support of Centra and Financial Designs, the Academy was honored to be the first organization to bring this dynamic program to Virginia.  Suzanne Halka led this program as the Head Mentor. She is a seasoned teaching artist, director, and youth mentor with a strong background in theatre education and community engagement. Under her thoughtful guidance, students explored their creativity, found their voices, and saw their words come to life—performed by professional actors in a culminating staged reading. For many participants, it was their first time seeing their ideas fully realized on stage.

The post Spring Spotlight: Youth Performing Arts at the Academy appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions, this year’s award-winning works were chosen by Juror Jeffrey Allison, Director of Statewide Programs and Exhibitions and Paul Mellon Collection Educator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. With a deep knowledge of visual art and a commitment to recognizing artistic excellence, Allison’s selections reflect the remarkable craftsmanship and innovation found throughout the exhibition.

We invite you to explore the featured works below and join us in celebrating the artists whose vision and creativity continue to move and inspire.

Best in Show, Aldo Muzzarelli’s “From Extemporaneous Menina Series: La Otra Señorita”, was selected for its rich symbolism and contemporary take on historical portraiture. The juror admired the way Muzzarelli combined oil, nails, and gold leaf to reflect on beauty, freedom, and social constructs—delivering a powerful message with elegance and conviction.

Elizabeth Weber’s “Nesting”, our First Place recipient, was chosen for its stunning transformation of natural materials—pine needles, wool, and wood—into an intricately constructed visual narrative. The juror was especially impressed by its geometric composition and how it celebrated nature through craftsmanship.

Second Place, “Belloise” by John Shuptrine, caught the juror’s eye through its clever use of antique camera parts and wood to build a sculpture that balanced nostalgia, humor, and technical precision.

David Eakin’s “Scottish Clouds”, awarded Third Place, was recognized for its poetic use of gouache. The painting’s vibrant sky and soft reflections captured a fleeting, peaceful moment with sensitivity and skill.

The Juror’s Choice Awards honored works that exemplified originality and a deep engagement with material and theme:

• Laren Baum’s “Blueprint View Area Tabulation” was noted for its inventive mix of collage, drawing, and blueprint, creating a layered, architectural narrative.

• Lisa Downey’s “From My Window” offered a quiet, painterly view into daily life, using oil paint to communicate mood and personal reflection.

• Robert Hunter’s digital print “The House of Remus” stood out for its symbolic resonance and storytelling through digital means, proving the medium’s artistic depth.

As we present these works to the public, we celebrate the artists’ ability to communicate across materials and moments. Each piece in this exhibition represents a unique voice and perspective—and we are thrilled to share them with our community.

#NationalJuried Awards

The post 2025 Annual National Juried Art Exhibition: Award Winners Announced appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

On March 12, the Academy Center of the Arts welcomed students, families, and educators to the BWXT Student  Gallery for the LCS Youth Art Show Reception, an evening dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of LCS students. Seeing these young artists take pride in their work and share their creative journeys was truly special. Their talent, imagination, and dedication are a testament to the importance of arts education in local schools. Those who have not yet had a chance to visit can still view the exhibit, which remains open through March 31.

Artist in Residence Program at Bass Elementary: Bringing Art into the Classroom

Through the Artist in Residence Program, the Academy Center of the Arts connects professional artists with students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. This year, Christina Davis, a talented muralist and educator, is working with students at William Marvin Bass Elementary.

Supported by Centra, Davis’  residency has provided young learners with the opportunity to explore new artistic techniques while discovering the power of creative storytelling. Students have embraced the process, gaining confidence in their abilities and learning how art can be a meaningful form of expression.

Breakfast with the Superintendent: Advocating for the Arts

On March 13, the Academy Center of the Arts participated in the LCS Breakfast with the Superintendent, where the theme, “Inspiring Achievement Through the Arts.” Hosted by the Education Foundation,this event focused on the essential role of arts education in student growth and success. Michelline Hall, Chief Programming Officer, spoke alongside Taylor Wissikirchen (Heritage High School Theatre Teacher) and Kayla Jones (Sandusky Middle School Visual Arts Teacher), sharing the ways theatre, visual arts, and community partnerships help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and confidence. The event brought together educators, administrators, and community members in support of the arts. Special thanks go to Centra for their continued support of the Artist in Residence Program, making these experiences possible for students.

Continuing the Celebration

Youth Art Month is more than just a moment—it’s a movement that highlights the importance of arts education in shaping the next generation. The Academy Center of the Arts remains committed to providing students with opportunities to explore, create, and grow through the arts. Whether through exhibitions, field trips, in-school residencies, or community programs, the organization will continue working to ensure that all students have access to meaningful arts experiences. Thank you to Lynchburg City Schools, educators, and community partners for making this such a special month. 

#YouthArtMonth #LCSYouthArtShow #ArtsInEducation #VCA #SupportYoungArtists

Sponsors:

AIM: BWXT

BWXT Student Gallery: BWXT

AIM at LCS: First National Bank

Artist In Residence: Centra

Field Trips: IWT, Al Stroobants Foundation

If include Young Storytellers: Financial Designs

The post Celebrating Youth Art Month: Inspiring Creativity in Our Community appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

 

---

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.

 

GET TICKETS

 

---

STEP AFRIKA!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

 

GET TICKETS

 

---

DIANNE REEVES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

Five-time Grammy winner DIANNE REEVES is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category.

 

In recent years Reeves has toured the world in a variety of contexts including “Sing the Truth,” a musical celebration of Nina Simone which also featured Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo. Don’t miss this jazz legend on the Historic Academy Theatre stage!

GET TICKETS

---

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

The year 2023 marks the 63rd anniversary of Joseph Shabalala forming GRAMMY-Award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), developed by black workers in the mines of South Africa.

After leading his group for over 50 years and approaching his 75th birthday, Joseph Shabalala retired in 2014, handing the leadership to his three sons, Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala. Having joined their father’s group in 1993, their many years of training had prepared them in ways no others could be trained. Now, carrying their father’s dream into the future, the Shabalala Family continues the group’s success for the world to hear.

GET TICKETS

---

THE PEKING ACROBATS
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 7:30 PM
HISTORIC ACADEMY THEATRE

 

For the last thirty two years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. THE PEKING ACROBATS are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival.

GET TICKETS

 

The post Black History Month at The Academy appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.

All are invited to join the Academy Center of the Arts for a FREE concert as we celebrate 5 years of the restoration of our beautiful Historic Theatre. The evening will recognize some of our most valued community partners and will feature the exciting music of Kadencia, whose high energy Bomba, Plena, and Salsa music will bring the night to life. The event is free, but those who would like to attend are asked to please reserve their seats early. 

Originally opened in 1905, the Historic Theatre closed in 1958 and the venue remained dormant for nearly 60 years until renovations could begin in 2015 thanks to numerous generous donors. Renovations were completed in late 2018, and the theatre officially reopened on December 6, 2018 with performances by Mavis Staples and Devon Gilfillian, emceed by former NASA astronaut, Leland Melvin.

“The opening of the Academy’s Historic Theatre was a monumental event and stands as a monument to what is possible when an entire community comes together to accomplish a great feat.” says CEO Geoffrey Kershner.

Since the theatre’s reopening in 2018, the venue has hosted hundreds of performances spanning genres, including musical performances, theatre productions, movie screenings, opera, dance performances, and more.

“The last five years are a dream realized after decades of imagining what a world-class facility like this could bring to Lynchburg. We have not just seen world-class artists grace our stage but have supplied a home to our incredible local organizations and artists. We could not be more proud.”  continues Kershner.

The Academy Center of the Arts is excited to celebrate 5 years of the renovated Historic Theatre’s continued operation at our February event. Get tickets here!

The post  ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS ANNOUNCES 5 YEAR CELEBRATION OF HISTORIC THEATRE OPENING appeared first on Academy Center of the Arts.