Our classes and events range from exhibits highlighting work by local artists young and old and providing instruction in various art forms, to just plain fun like music in the park. Most of our exhibits and events are free and open to the public. Classes may require pre-registration and payment.
Back by popular demand, Scuffletown with Matty Metcalfe will perform at the Fine Arts Center’s First Friday Listening Room on April 4. This high-energy trio consisting performs a unique blend of original music and acoustic roots, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and country with four acclaimed albums along the way.
Try your hand at weaving in this 2 hour class. Learn the basics on a Rigid Heddle Loom, dress the loom, weave and finish with a hem-stitch to make a hanging sampler. All materials included.
Polarity exists all around us—in nature, human emotions, art, and the systems that shape our world. It is the interplay of these opposites that defines our experience. These dichotomies, light and dark, chaos and order, geometric and organic, can create tension, but they also hold the potential for harmony. When we pause to explore these contrasts, we discover connections and opportunities to create something more potent than either element alone.
POLARITY opening reception is on Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Center. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar serving wine and beer. The public is invited and artists are encouraged to attend. Join us in exploring this dynamic exhibition!
Join us at the Fine Arts Center's Blacksburg location on Friday, April 19th (2-4 pm), for a special performance by Leslie Brooks!
Leslie Brooks is a songwriter and recording artist whose eclectic vocal style spans soulful ballads, country blues, folk, Americana, and jazz. A seasoned performer and accomplished guitarist, she has traveled the U.S. and abroad, weaving her experiences into heartfelt songs.
American Roots is father/son guitar and vocal harmony duo Fred and Jon Benfield who have performed around the New River Valley for about 30 years. They’ll close out the Fine Arts Center’s First Friday Listening Room 2024-25 season with a performance on Friday, May 2.
Join us for our annual music and arts festival in Jackson Park on August 9th! Our line-up of musicians is not to be missed. Enjoy a rich arts atmosphere, upbeat tunes, and delicious food from a selection of regional food trucks.
Check back for updates as we finalize the schedule and list of vendors for this year’s event.
Location: Jackson Park, Pulaski (40 1st St NW)
Join Ann Shawhan, for an afternoon break in the day, socializing over making art, tea and cookies. Ann has a BFA from Florida State University, 1974. She has been predominantly a painter until 3 years ago when she took up making non-traditional mosaics. Choose one of these two sessions to explore the idea of mosaic making with paper and canvas pieces. Materials are supplied but can be supplemented with photos and paper you'd like to bring.
6-Week Class - Thursdays, March 20th to April 24th
Beginner watercolor class teaches the techniques of watercolor painting in a step by step method. In the first class, paint a 4”x 6” winter scene that will be ready to matte and frame. The early lessons focus on watercolor techniques not as much on drawing. Each lesson builds on the first one, adding new elements, sky, mountains, barns or houses, forests, flowers and even figures if you choose.
Meet the artists of the first front window installation at Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley at Blacksburg. Join us Saturday, March 15th from 3-5pm. Come talk with Lauren Cooper and Kaily Schenker about their installation "Spirit of Appalachia.” Light refreshments will be served.
Join Ann Shawhan, for an afternoon break in the day, socializing over making art, tea and cookies. Ann has a BFA from Florida State University, 1974. She has been predominantly a painter until 3 years ago when she took up making non-traditional mosaics. Choose one of these two sessions to explore the idea of mosaic making with paper and canvas pieces. Materials are supplied but can be supplemented with photos and paper you'd like to bring.
Kat Mills is a singer-songwriter, wife, mother, and activist based in the Blue Ridge mountains and known throughout the region for her down-to-earth style and powerful voice. Kat is our featured artist in the March Listening Room at the Fine Arts Center in Pulaski.
Try your hand at weaving in this 2 hour class. Learn the basics on a Rigid Heddle Loom, dress the loom, weave and finish with a hem-stitch to make a hanging sampler. All materials included.
Jessica Yamamoto will guide students on all steps required to create their own twisted tapered candle. No prior experience needed. The class is designed for adults 18 and above. At the end of the class, students will complete their own hand-made candle to take home.
Jessica Yamamoto will guide students on all steps required to create their own tapered candles. No prior experience needed and the class is designed for students ages 10 - 18 years old. At the end of the class, students will complete their own hand-made tapered candle or candles to take home (quantity based on the supplies fee chosen).
Schedule (February 22, 2025):
The Reception will start at noon in the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.
The Awards Ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Historic Pulaski Theatre.
Following the Awards, Educators may pick up their students’ art.
New at FAC: Collage Nites!
Looking for a relaxed, creative outlet? Join us for Collage Nites, a free monthly event for adults (age 15+) where you can explore art, experiment with supplies, and connect with fellow creatives!
Join us on Thursday, January 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center in Pulaski
🖌️ We’ll provide materials (but feel free to bring your own!)
💬 Meet new people and enjoy a casual night of making art together.
💸 Free to attend, donations are welcome to replenish supplies!
Beginners will learn the basic skills of dry felting while creating a piece of frameable art, approximately 8x12. Choose an image from selections provided by the instructor, or you may bring your own image if you prefer.
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
Barry is a Floyd based musician with a gift for generating a great atmosphere and making sure the entire audience has a great time. He describes his music as sentimental and irreverent, delving into a mixture of styles which include Rock, Folk, Pop, Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Alt-Country, and Bluegrass. Drew Willson Drew joins Barry, lending his beautiful instrumentation and harmonies, to make for an unmissable event!
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
New at FAC: Collage Nites!
Looking for a relaxed, creative outlet? Join us for Collage Nites, a free monthly event for adults (age 15+) where you can explore art, experiment with supplies, and connect with fellow creatives!
Join us on Thursday, January 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center in Pulaski
🖌️ We’ll provide materials (but feel free to bring your own!)
💬 Meet new people and enjoy a casual night of making art together.
💸 Free to attend, donations are welcome to replenish supplies!
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
Beginners will learn the basic skills of dry felting while creating a piece of frameable art, approximately 8x12. Choose an image from selections provided by the instructor, or you may bring your own image if you prefer.
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
Discover the beauty of acrylic painting in this dynamic workshop led by artist Ernie Ross. Designed for all levels, from beginners to intermediate painters, this class will guide you through foundational skills while allowing more experienced students to refine their techniques and receive personalized coaching.
*Fee: $50 non-members, plus $10 supplies fee payable to the instructor.
(Members receive a 20% discount and pay $40)
$10 Beginner supplies fee to be paid directly to Cyndi at the class meeting
Intermediate and advanced students discuss project ideas with the instructor and are based on size and scope of the project.
Saturday, December 21, 10 am - 3 pm
Advanced Registration Required
Feel Free to Sign Up for Multiple Classes to Create Different Projects
Cyndi will work with you at your level of expertise to create the project you desire. This class is perfect for beginners, intermediate, or advanced students. No experience necessary.
Beginners will learn the basic skills of dry felting while creating a piece of frameable art, approximately 8x12. Choose an image from selections provided by the instructor, or you may bring your own image if you prefer.
An important note about using your own image: We will put you in contact with the instructor in advance so she can discuss which types of images are most appropriate based on your skill level.
This class will also include an opportunity to create three-dimensional works.
More experienced felters can consult with Cyndi on a more complex project, work at their own pace, and receive guidance from Cyndi as they work.
You will complete a project during this Saturday session. You are welcome to sign up for multiple sessions to work on additional projects.
You will be using locally sourced wool from well-loved pets. You will be given the necessary materials to make your piece, and you are welcome to purchase your own if it's something you wish to continue off site. Felting is done with a needle or a tool with multiple needles, the former of which will be provided. You will be instructed how to work safely with them, you must stay present and keep your fingers out of the way.
2D and 3D needle-felting with Cindy Maitri on December 18 and 20 in Blacksburg.
Creating Powerful Images: A Photography Workshop with Jeremy Riffe
Discover fresh perspectives and refine your photography skills with local photographer Jeremy Riffe in our upcoming 2-hour interactive workshop! In this hands-on workshop, Jeremy will guide you through tips on lighting, composition, and subject matter to create powerful and evocative images. After a brief classroom session, you’ll head outside to put these concepts into practice, then return to share and discuss your best shots. Bring any camera, even your cell phone, and get ready to capture stunning images!
2D and 3D needle-felting with Cindy Maitri on December 11 and 13 in Blacksburg.
Join us at our Blacksburg location at 860 University City Boulevard to tour the site, meet local artists, and find unique, hand-crafted gifts.
Leslie Brooks returns to the Listening Room on Friday December 6 with her unique song stylings.
2D and 3D needle-felting with Cindy Maitri on December 4 and 6 in Blacksburg.
The Fine Arts Center is excited to announce “Creative Circles: A Community Collage Project.”
We're inviting individuals of all ages to participate in a collaborative artwork that celebrates unity and creativity within our community. Each participant will decorate a 6x6 cardstock square using markers and paint, filling a quarter-circle with their own unique design. Once completed, each piece will be joined with others to form a beautiful, collective display!
Daniel Adam Maltz is a fortepianist based in Vienna, Austria. He specializes in Viennese Classicism, especially the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven performed on the Viennese fortepianos of their time. He will be performing at the Pulaski Theatre on Saturday, November 9 at 2 p.m.
Join The Creative Club at the Fine Arts Center and participate in free arts education classes for children aged 5-12!
These Saturday morning classes (formerly known as Second Saturday Art Café) run from 10:30 a.m. to around noon. This Creative Club session will feature Hand-made Art Journal and will take place at our Pulaski location at 21 West Main St. Registrants will receive a reminder email a few days before the class date.
