Arts and Education

Engage your mind and soul.

Our arts and education programs are designed to engage the mind and soul through innovative events, activities and presentations—both on and off the VMRC campus. We’re committed to providing a variety of educational opportunities for residents to stimulate learning. Through a diversified approach, we’re able to address the needs and interests of all residents. This encourages residents to learn and grow as an individual and as part of a larger community. Here are examples of our Arts and Education offerings:

  • The 13th Annual Shenandoah Valley Lyceum Event Series—2016-2017 season

    This stimulating cultural and educational series is funded in part by the VMRC Shenandoah Valley Lyceum Endowment. All programs are 7-8 p.m. in Detwiler Auditorium. The 2016-2017 Season Brochure

    • Sabato’s Crystal Ball: The 2016 Election
      Geoffrey Skelley
      September 16, 2016

      The presentation will examine the current state of the presidential election, who is favored and the Electoral College math. It will also review what’s happening in the Senate, House and gubernatorial races to be decided in November. Geoffrey Skelley is media relations coordinator for the University of Virginia Center for Politics and associate editor of “Sabato’s Crystal Ball,” the Center’s nonpartisan newsletter on American campaigns and elections. 

    • Gravestones Have a Story to Tell
      Randy Atkins
      October 28, 2016 

      This program offers insight to cemeteries including local, historic ones. We will discover learnings from the geology, geometry and symbolism of the stones which serve as a reminder of a life.

      Mr. Atkins is trained in gravestone preservation and focuses on historic cemeteries, preservation, gravestone studies including materials, styles, shapes, symbolism and the faith and stories that gravestones tell. He has visited hundreds of cemeteries locally, nationally and internationally.

    • Shenandoah: A Story of Conservation and Betrayal
      Sue Eisenfeld
      January 6, 2017

      Author Sue Eisenfeld will discuss and share readings from her book, "Shenandoah: A Story of Conservation and Betrayal," an off-trail journey through the hidden history of the people who once lived in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. She will describe her research on the families and residents of the mountains who were displaced by the creationi of Shenandoah National Park and tell of her on-the-ground bushwhacking adventures. Books will be available for purchase.

    •  Worksongs: Making an Old Tradition New Again
      April 7, 2017
      Bennett Konesni

      Farmer-scholar Bennett Konesni has been researching and using worksongs as a practical tool for 20 years. He has conducted research in 10 countries to learn from farmers, herders and fishermen who are still using music to make work more efficient, faster and more fun.  

      He and his wife Edith Gawler have taken what he's learned and applied it at their "Duckback Farm" in Belfast, Maine. During this concert Bennett will sing some of his favorite worksongs, and discuss how he uses music on his farm as a productive and fun tool, drawing on experiences from all over the world.

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  • Juried Art Exhibitions

    The 2016 show is completed. Thank you to artists, patrons, visitors and volunteers. Here are this year's award winners and 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.

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