Arts and Education

All events are held at 7 p.m. in Detwiler Auditorium, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, Va.

Topics in International Economic Policy 
September 8, 2017

Tom Engle, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs with the U.S. Department of State, will examine the State Department’s role in development and execution of U.S. International economic policy and current challenges in U.S. foreign economic policy. Mr. Engle will also discuss his work on international transportation issues, including aviation negotiations with Cuba.

A 31-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service, Mr. Engle has had overseas assignments in China, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Germany and Afghanistan, as well as at headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Moving from Conflict to Cooperation
October 13, 2017

Gary W. Noesner, Chief FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit (retired) and author of “Stalling For Time: My Life As An FBI Hostage Negotiator,” will discuss and share the communication skills and lessons he learned as an FBI negotiator, and how they apply to everyday life and work.

Mr. Noesner retired from the FBI following a 30-year career as an investigator, instructor and negotiator. A significant focus of his career was directed toward investigating Middle East hijackings in which American citizens were victimized. He continues to serve as an independent consultant around the world.

Recreating 1916 Findlay’s Road: Cross Country Motorcycle Ride
February 2, 2018

Gwen Phillips, L.P.N. at VMRC and motorcycle enthusiast shares an enlightening journey about her historical reenactment of Charles K. Findlay’s 1916 road trip and the research that was involved to make this dream a reality. By day Ms. Phillips cares for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In her spare time she enjoys many forms of riding, with long distance riding her passion. Hear the story of Charles K. Findlay: his experiences, his personality and his extraordinary life.

Profound Joy
March 16, 2018

Internationally known instrumentalist Timothy Seaman has thrilled audiences for decades with his rapturous and meaningful musical style on the extended-range hammered dulcimer – a rare and magnificent instrument with 85 strings. His creative, moving original compositions and his intriguing self-styled arrangements of rare and familiar folk, and Classical works weave an engaging story of Virginia’s historic and natural worlds drawn from a lifetime of adventures.

A West Virginia native, Seaman grew up in Virginia and currently resides in Williamsburg. His zest for truth and content turns the concert into a deeply significant and memorable experience for the listeners - profound joy!

Ticket Information 

Single Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 at the door
Season Tickets: $25 for all four events
Lifetime Pass: $100

Payments can be made with cash, check or credit card by calling the VMRC Wellness Center, 540-574-3850, or in person at the VMRC Wellness Center, 1481 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg.

The Shenandoah Valley Lyceum is funded in part by the VMRC Shenandoah Valley Lyceum Endowment. To make a gift in support of these events, please make checks payable to the VMRC Foundation. Gifts to the Endowment will increase VMRC’s capacity to pay honorariums, travel costs and other direct program expenses.

The Shenandoah Valley Watercolor Society brings its annual member show to Park Gables Gallery on September 10-November 3. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Opening Awards Reception is 2-4 p.m. September 10 with award winners announced at 3 p.m.

The 2017 show ended June 30. View the list of award winners and artists who made sales.

The show is an amazing variety of original, one-of-a-kind works of art by national artists demonstrating mastery of design, technique, and creativity utilizing a range of media. Thousands of visitors flock to our campus to view the show, purchase art and vote for their favorites. 

For more information, email artexhibit@vmrc.org.