Arts for Learning Virginia

08/28/2026

On Wednesday, Arts for Learning Virginia had the honor of attending "A Fine Romance," a magnificent concert performed by The Virginia Chorale.

​The evening was dedicated to honoring the beautiful memory of Minette Cooper. Her passion for the arts and commitment to our mission left a lasting impact on our community.

​It was a true privilege to represent A4LVA for such an uplifting tribute to Minette's legacy! 🎶✨
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08/27/2026

✨ Celebrate Creativity. Honor Impact. Inspire the Future. ✨

Tickets are ON SALE! Join Arts for Learning Virginia for our inaugural Artoberfest Luncheon & Heart of the Arts Award as we celebrate the transformative power of arts education and the enduring legacy of Minette Cooper.

Arts education gives children the opportunity to imagine, create, express themselves, and discover their own potential. This luncheon is a chance for all of us to celebrate why that work matters—and invest in its future.

We are proud to honor Marie Baker as our inaugural Heart of the Arts Award recipient—a devoted mentor, volunteer, and advocate whose lifelong commitment to education, community, and the arts has inspired generations.

Enjoy a special performance by Norfolk singer-songwriter Roberta Lea, explore our creative stations, and contribute to a collaborative art experience!

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Ohef Sholom Temple | Norfolk, VA

Come celebrate the arts, honor Minette’s legacy, and help inspire the next generation.

Get your tickets:
https://young-audiences.networkforgood.com/events/100757-2026-artoberfest-luncheon

08/24/2026

Congratulations to all 37 organizations receiving Norfolk ARTS support this year! We are thankful to be in such great company and inspired by the important work being done across Norfolk to make arts and culture accessible to all.

🌟Norfolk continues to shine as the arts & cultural hub of Virginia! The Norfolk Arts Commission is proud to award grant funding to 37 nonprofit organizations that bring creativity, learning, and performance opportunities to every neighborhood in the city. From youth orchestras and writing workshops to dance, theatre, and cultural celebrations, these organizations help make Norfolk a vibrant and inspiring place to live.
Learn more: https://norfolkarts.net/grant-recipients/

08/18/2026

Last Saturday, Arts for Learning Virginia’s Board of Directors gathered for a day of connection, learning, and renewed commitment to our communities.

Program Coordinator Jackie Adonis led the Itik Itik Dance, highlighting culturally responsive practices through movement and shared experience. Artist Services & Partnerships Manager Aisha Noel’s Improv Taxi activity offered a meaningful reminder: our mission stays the same, but how we communicate its impact should resonate with each audience.

We were also grateful for Hampton City Schools Curriculum Leader, Fine Arts Kelly Dee’s insights on the evolving opportunities and challenges facing educators, school divisions, and the communities they serve.

Shout out to Next Step to Success for hosting our Board Retreat!

08/17/2026

Katie, our Coastal Virginia Wolf Trap Affiliate Director, joined Wolf Trap leaders, teaching artists, and affiliate colleagues from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration. From sharing ideas with fellow affiliates to exploring new approaches to family engagement and advocacy, the gathering offered fresh inspiration for strengthening arts-learning experiences for young children, educators, and families. We’re excited to bring these ideas, relationships, and renewed energy back to Hampton Roads as Coastal Virginia Wolf Trap continues to grow!

A special thank-you to this group for sharing their leadership and insight:
•Moderator Damon Effingham, Senior Director, Government Affairs - Wolf Trap
•Tooshar Swain, Senior Director of Public Policy - Americans for the Arts
•Margaret Gupta, Vice Chair & Secretary - Wolf Trap
•Diane Girouard, State Policy Director - NAEYC

08/17/2026

What a joyful day of rhythm, connection, and creativity at Chesapeake Public Library! Chesapeake Public Library! Thank you for welcoming us into your community as we made music, shared smiles, and experienced the power of drumming together.

Patrons at South Norfolk Memorial Library joined in on learning the drumming basics at our Drumming FUNdamentals event! Watch out for more of our summer programs coming soon! https://events.chesapeakelibrary.org/events?l=South+Norfolk+Memorial+Library&r=thismonth

08/14/2026

Earlier this week, Teaching Artists Dai Poole and Jackie Adonis led a Professional Development Session at Armstrong School for the Arts, collaborating with educators to create engaging lesson plans that they’re excited to share with their learners this school year!

This was part of the RAISE initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

08/14/2026

An amazing day for Armstrong School for the Arts! We love seeing our partner schools and their teachers shine. Congratulations, Mrs. Miller on being the Hampton City Schools Teacher of the Year!

08/13/2026

We had an amazing time at the Norfolk Tides game! 🎉⚾ A special thank you to Enspire Energy/Gas South for hosting Arts for Learning Virginia. It was a pleasure meeting everyone, sharing our passion for arts education, and learning more about the impact you're making in our community. Looking forward to future opportunities to connect!

💙🎨⚾️

08/11/2026

A little summer throwback! ☀️

We loved bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Seaside School of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church with JuJu Drum!

Experiences like this are what make summer programming so special: giving children the opportunity to explore music, move, create, and experience the arts in joyful and meaningful ways. 💜

Thank you to Seaside School for welcoming us and to JuJu Caribbean Drums for sharing the music with our community!