We are now updating all of our schedules for the 2001-2002 season. We have no event listings for this organization for one of two reasons: we have requested updates and they will be added as soon as we receive them, or the organization is currently not producing events. (Many organizations operate only seasonally.) Please check back in the future, as our calendar is updated daily and new events are posted as soon as they are received. Thank you.

In 1947, the American Association of University Women invited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to stage a major exhibition in Roanoke. The excitement generated from this exhibition clearly demonstrated to the community the need for a permanent art institution in the area. In 1957 the Roanoke Fine Arts Center was incorporated as an independent organization although it was not until 1977 that the Center received its full accreditation status by the American Association of Museums. Three years later, the name was changed to Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts and was followed by a move in location from Cherry Hill to Center in the Square. This move proved significant in creating a true community institution and redirected the mission of the Museum towards one of collecting, preserving and education the public on the arts.

Recognizing the need to geographically expand the Museum’s outreach programs and services, the Board of Trustees renamed the Museum the Art Museum of Western Virginia in 1992, and in 1993 ArtVenure, the children’s art center, was inaugurated. That same year, the ArtVan began its series of outreach exhibitions to 14 counties in western Virginia by bringing art exhibitions to rural schools. The Art Museum of Western Virginia’s current mission statement is to exhibit, collect, preserve and interpret significant works of art from cultures throughout the world. A special emphasis is focused upon American art and the artistic expressions of the region.

Visitors to the Art Museum of Western Virginia discover visually stunning exhibitions, creative programs and an engaging interactive center for all ages. The exhibition programming presents works by regional artisans, traditional masters and contemporary artists. The focus of the permanent collection is on American art including 19th and 20th-century painting, sculpture, prints, photographs and decorative arts. Highlights include paintings by American artists Asher B. Durand, T. Worthington Whittredge, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam and John H. Twachtman. Decorative arts collections focus on western Virginia with outstanding examples of furniture, ceramics and folk art. Examples of contemporary art include works by artists Sally Mann, William Christenberry and Audrey Flack. The Museum also has a growing collection of African art with a special focus on West Africa.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5, Sundays 1-5, closed Mondays

Admission: Free (donations are welcome)

Location: The Art Museum of Western Virginia is located inside The Center in The Square cultural complex, on the corner of Market Street and Cambell Avenue.
For tickets/information, call: 540-342-5760
Hours to call: 24-hour information line

Visit their Web site at: http://www.artmuseumroanoke.org/