Arts for Learning Virginia

06/22/2026

Thank you so much for tuning in this morning at 9:00am! Katie and Christy represented Arts for Learning Virginia on Coast Live this morning, sharing how we connect students and communities to meaningful arts experiences across the Commonwealth. 🎭✨We are proud to see this work highlighted and celebrated. 🎨

🔗 Watch the replay here: https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/connecting-kids-to-the-arts-on-coast-live

06/21/2026

Monday at noon, take a musical journey through the Caribbean 🌴🎶

Arts for Learning Virginia brings “Caribbean Dreaming” to the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, exploring the vibrant history and rhythms of steel drums across the islands 🥁✨ Stay after the performance for a gallery talk with artist Tony Snipes 🎨, who will connect the cultural legacy of steel drums, ships ⚓, and the “Hidden Histories of the Portsmouth Aeroship Building Co.” exhibition.

📅 Monday, June 22
🕛 12:00–12:50 PM
📍 Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
🎟️ Free and open to the public. No registration needed.

🔗 Learn more:
Caribbean Dreaming: https://www.portsmouthartcenter.com/events/48465

Gallery Talk: https://www.portsmouthartcenter.com/events/47207

Presented by Arts for Learning Virginia with support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Portsmouth, PRA Group, TowneBank Foundation, and Arts Alliance.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a day of remembrance, resilience, and reflection.

It honors the long journey toward freedom and the voices that carried that history forward—through music, storytelling, and art. These creative expressions continue to preserve truth, build connection, and shape our understanding of identity and community.

Today, we pause to honor that legacy and the stories that must continue to be told.

06/16/2026

Thank you to Portsmouth Public Library for their ongoing partnership and commitment to enriching our community through the arts!

Join A4L's Valerie Davis this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Cradock Branch Library for a storytelling adventure featuring the beloved trickster spider, Anansi. Perfect for children ages 2-5, this interactive performance is sure to spark imagination, curiosity, and plenty of laughter.

This program is supported in part by an award from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Portsmouth, VA Government, PRA Group, TowneBank Foundation, and Arts Alliance.

Come along with us at Cradock this Thursday at 2 pm as for Learning Virginia 's Valerie Davis takes on a storytelling journey with the trickster spider god, Anansi! Suitable for ages 2-5. Call 757-393-8759 for more information

06/16/2026

Minette Cooper was a teacher, mentor, and source of inspiration to everyone whose lives she touched. We recently sat down with her longtime friend and fellow Arts for Learning Virginia Board member, Carolton Hardy, who graciously shared some of the wisdom and lessons he gained throughout their friendship of more than three decades. Minette’s legacy continues to live on through the countless people she inspired with her leadership, generosity, and love for the arts.

Who inspires you in your life or in your community? Consider nominating them for the Heart of the Arts Award. This year, we are honoring a Hampton Roads volunteer whose leadership strengthens access to the arts in recognition of the beautiful legacy Minette left behind.

Click here to learn more and nominate someone who inspires you as much as Minette inspired us: https://arts4learningva.org/heart-of-the-arts-award/

Nominations are open through June 26th! ✨

06/09/2026

Happy 90th Birthday, Janet Kriner! 🎶🎂

Anna and I were honored to celebrate this special milestone with Janet, members of AFM Local 125, friends, and family.

Janet's lifelong dedication to music and the arts has enriched countless lives throughout Hampton Roads. Through her many years with Young Audiences of Virginia, she helped bring the joy and power of the arts to generations of young people, leaving a lasting impact on our community.

Like a beautiful piece of music, Janet's legacy continues to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. Congratulations on receiving the Arts Supporter of the Year Award and wishing you a wonderful 90th birthday filled with the love, laughter, and music you have shared with so many over the years.

Happy 90th Birthday, Janet! 🎼💙💛

06/08/2026

Rainbow Puppet Productions brought imagination, laughter, and learning to Chesapeake Public Library! 🌈🎭

We are so grateful for our amazing library partners who help make arts experiences like this possible for children and families throughout our community. Thank you for welcoming our artists and creating spaces where creativity can thrive.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, Arts Alliance, TowneBank, PRA Group, and Walmart Store #3644. Thank you for investing in the arts and helping us bring meaningful cultural experiences to Chesapeake families!

06/06/2026

Books and beats made the perfect combination at Lafayette Library! 📚🥁

A big thank you to Arts for Learning Virginia performing artist Ron Collins for an exciting Tampa Taiko performance to help launch the summer reading program, alongside Lawrence Sawyer and Lilly Treadwill. What a wonderful way to celebrate learning and community!

05/30/2026

05/25/2026

A little rain could not stop the fun!

Thank you to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for hosting Rainbow Puppet Productions performance of Animal Parade during their fee-free day! We love seeing families come together to enjoy the arts, nature, and plenty of smiles despite the weather!

This performance was supported in part by awards from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, Helen G Gifford Foundation, TowneBank Foundation, PRA Group, and Arts Alliance.