Art Classes
Greater Lynchburg's hub for arts, culture, and community · Lynchburg, VA
Published in partnership with Academy Center of the Arts
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Academy Center of the Arts has been Greater Lynchburg's center for arts, culture, and community building for decades. Located at 600 Main Street in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, the Academy operates multiple dedicated spaces: the Historic Academy Theatre for stage performances and youth theater, The Music Hall at 722 Commerce Street for live music and intimate concerts, the Ann White Academy Gallery and Harrington Building Gallery for rotating art exhibitions, and fully equipped studios including the May Carter Pottery Studio and Peggy Burruss Art Studio. This multi-venue approach allows the Academy to serve as a comprehensive cultural hub, offering something for every artistic interest under one organizational roof.
The Academy's programming spans performances, education, and exhibitions. The performance calendar features a diverse lineup from nationally touring comedians like Henry Cho to folk and Americana acts, Academy Youth Theatre productions, and community showcases. The education side offers structured classes for all ages and skill levels — pottery wheel throwing, hand building, acrylic and watercolor painting, specialized workshops like 'Light-Up Luna Moth' crafts, and open studio sessions for independent artists. Notable offerings include beginner-friendly 'Pottery Night Out' social workshops and multi-week courses like 'Foundation & Flow: A Beginner's Watercolor Painting' and 'Clay Exploration' for those seeking sustained instruction.
The Academy's gallery program is anchored by the Annual National Juried Art Exhibition, a prestigious showcase that draws submissions from artists nationwide and opens each year with a First Friday reception. Additional rotating exhibits feature local and regional artists across media, with works displayed in both the Ann White Academy Gallery and the Harrington Building. The Academy also operates Artistica.Shop, an online platform where featured artists like Krista Townsend and Monica Parsons sell original works, extending the gallery experience beyond physical walls. This combination of juried shows, artist spotlights, and accessible online sales makes the Academy a vital platform for visual artists in Central Virginia.
The Academy's mission centers on serving the community through arts and culture, with a belief that programming contributes to improved student academic outcomes, enhanced memory retention for seniors, and reduced poverty rates. This philosophy drives accessible pricing (many classes under $200, performances starting at $10–$15, youth theater tickets at $8–$12) and diverse programming that welcomes beginners alongside advanced practitioners. The Academy also offers field trip programs, gift certificates, membership opportunities, corporate and private event rentals, and volunteer pathways, positioning itself not just as a venue but as a community resource where the arts are essential and accessible to all.
Best for: Children and youth seeking theatrical training, Adults learning pottery or painting, Community members interested in live performances and exhibitions, Corporate event planners looking for unique rental venues
Service area: Lynchburg, VA and surrounding greater Lynchburg area
Why choose Academy Center of the Arts: Academy Center of the Arts is the only multi-venue arts complex in Lynchburg offering performances, visual art exhibitions, and hands-on classes under one organization. Its nationally recognized juried exhibitions, diverse performance calendar, and dedicated pottery and painting studios set it apart from single-focus venues or commercial art schools in the region.
Comprehensive Arts Programming: Offers pottery, painting, theater, and live performances all under one organization, making it a complete arts destination rather than a single-discipline studio.
Dedicated Pottery & Painting Facilities: Operates multiple specialized studios including May Carter Pottery Studio and Peggy Burruss Art Studio with professional-grade equipment and instruction.
Community-Focused Mission: Explicitly designed to serve the community through arts education and cultural programming, with programs for youth, adults, and seniors at various skill levels.
What kinds of performances does the Academy present?
The Academy's performance calendar includes live music across genres (Americana, folk, country, indie), nationally touring comedians, Academy Youth Theatre productions, and community showcases. Recent bookings include Henry Cho, Jeremy Micheal Elder, and 'Women of Americana' ensemble concerts. Performances take place in the Historic Academy Theatre (larger productions) and The Music Hall at 722 Commerce Street (intimate concerts). Ticket prices typically range from $10–$15 for local acts to $50–$90 for nationally known performers.
What art classes does the Academy offer and who can attend?
The Academy offers pottery classes (wheel throwing, hand building, glazing techniques) in the May Carter Pottery Studio and painting classes (acrylics, watercolors, mixed media) in the Peggy Burruss Art Studio. Classes are offered for all ages — 'Young Potters' for kids, beginner courses like 'Foundation & Flow: A Beginner's Watercolor Painting' for adults new to art, and independent studio sessions for advanced practitioners. Multi-week courses typically cost $120–$180; single workshops and social events like 'Pottery Night Out' or 'Paint & Sip' are $25–$50. No prior experience is required for beginner classes.
How do I view or purchase art from the Academy's exhibitions?
The Academy curates rotating exhibitions in the Ann White Academy Gallery and Harrington Building Gallery, including the prestigious Annual National Juried Art Exhibition each spring. Exhibitions are free to view during gallery hours and First Friday receptions (first Friday of each month, 5–8 PM). Select works are also available for purchase through Artistica.Shop, the Academy's online gallery featuring artists like Krista Townsend and Monica Parsons. For exhibition schedules and artist information, visit academycenter.org or call (434) 846-8499.
Can I rent the Academy's theaters or studios for private events?
Yes, the Academy offers rentals for birthday parties, corporate events, social gatherings, and weddings. Venues include the Historic Academy Theatre, The Music Hall, and studio spaces. The Academy also offers 'Ticketed Rentals' for organizations that want to host a public performance or event. Rental packages vary by space and event type; contact the Academy at (434) 528-3256 or through their website for availability and pricing.
How do I buy tickets for Academy performances?
Tickets can be purchased online at academycenter.org through the Box Office page, by phone at (434) 846-8499, or in person at 600 Main Street during Box Office hours. Prices vary by event — youth theater tickets start at $8–$12, local music acts at $10–$15, and nationally touring performers at $50–$90. Discounts are often available for Academy members.
Does the Academy offer programs for schools or senior groups?
Yes, the Academy offers field trip programs for schools and community groups, providing guided gallery tours, studio workshops, and age-appropriate arts instruction. The Academy's mission explicitly includes improved academic outcomes for students and enhanced memory retention for seniors through arts engagement. Contact the Academy at (434) 528-3256 to arrange a field trip or group visit.
How can I submit my art to the Academy's exhibitions?
The Academy accepts submissions for its National Juried Photography Exhibition and National Juried Ceramic Exhibition. Submission deadlines, entry fees, and guidelines are posted on academycenter.org under 'Gallery Submissions.' The Academy also features rotating exhibits of regional and local artists in the Ann White and Harrington galleries; artists interested in exhibiting should inquire through the website contact form or by calling (434) 846-8499.
What is the Academy's mission and how does it serve the community?
The Academy's mission is to serve Greater Lynchburg through arts and culture, with programming designed to improve student grades, enhance memory retention for seniors, and reduce poverty rates through creative engagement. The Academy offers accessible pricing, youth theater, free gallery exhibits, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs for all ages. The organization is supported by memberships, donations, and sponsorships, and operates as a community resource where the arts are essential to a thriving society.
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Phone: (434) 846-8499
Address: 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 (Get directions)
Website: academycenter.org
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