Hello fellow art lovers,
It's been a gorgeous autumn so far and we are loving it here at the art center! Not only have we been enjoying the foliage this year but we've also been keeping busy with lots of programs and events, like gallery openings, pop-up exhibits, and community programs.
Over this past month, during Queen City Mischief and Magic we hosted the Brigade Band and painted dragon eggs with the kids, were honored to be back at Staunton Pride with our Love Sign, and hosted a pop-up video exhibition for Staunton's First Fridays. We also had an absolute blast during the opening reception for Andrew Davis' exhibition, "Laughing Picture", which I highly recommend everyone come see before it comes down on the 28th!
Coming up we have an exciting month of art including the return of Art for Gifts, another First Friday pop-up, and more kids classes! To see what else we have going on, please keep reading below or come by and see us in person!!
Angus Carter
Executive Director
Staunton Augusta Art Center
Art For Gifts
It's that time of year again when everyone's favorite shopping experience returns, Art for Gifts!
Each year for Art For Gifts, we turn our galleries into a marketplace full of unique and original artwork from local and regional artists and artisans. You will find thoughtful and quality gifts for everyone on your list while supporting regional artists along with our local economy.
Members of SAAC receive a 10% discount on all items.
Join us for a special preview of the marketplace the night before we open to the public. New and renewing members will receive a 15% discount off purchases during the event and we will have an open bar, light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and raffle prizes!
If You are not currently a member but would like to become one, you can do so by clicking here...
Exhibitions
We had a blast at the opening of Andrew Davis' exhibition, Laughing Picture! If you have not made it by to see the exhibit, you still have till October 28th to do so and we highly recommend you do! Andrew Davis’ work is a masterclass in surrealism and of a caliber you rarely see in this area. If you can't make it down for the exhibit though, you can always check out an online version at the link below.
Following the end of Andrew's exhibit, our galleries will be switching over to our holiday marketplace, Art for Gifts, but will be returning for new exhibits beginning next year starting with a spectacular exhibit of collage art. So stay tuned!!
Raffle Winner!
A huge thanks to everyone who bought tickets to SAAC's Premiere Travel Raffle! If you missed this, $25 a ticket bought you a chance to win a trip to a destination worldwide. This was a sold-out success, thanks to you!
Now for the moment you have been waiting for, our winner this year is John Brown!
Congratulations John!!!
If you're sad you missed out this year, don't worry, there will be more! Keep an eye on our website for events like this!
Kids Programs!
Saturday Art Labs are going strong for the fall season from 10 am – 12 noon every Saturday! Classes focus on different themes and mediums to inspire students to create using diverse techniques and historical-artistic concepts. Labs are made possible due to a generous donation from Eric Stamer Catering.
For class details and registration, click here...
First Fridays
Staunton Augusta Art Center and CoArt Gallery are part of a new Staunton Arts Alliance which is working towards a collaborative relationship among Staunton's art galleries. In that spirit, SAAC has teamed up with the CoArt Gallery to put on a collaborative night of art for Staunton's First Fridays.
Being a few days before the election, SAAC will host a one-night pop-up exhibition of Suffragette Posters and artwork for Staunton's First Fridays on Nov. 3rd from 4-7 PM. The work for this exhibit, generously supplied by Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and the Staunton Library, will serve as a reflection on the importance of voting and the struggle some went through to secure that right.
Up the street, our friends at CoArt will be hosting their featured artist Barbara Buckingham whose multi-media and papercutting exhibit "democracy" encourages all viewers to get out and vote!
We hope you will join us at both locales and get out to vote!
All You Need Is Love
The SAAC LOVE sign is now on the road. Starting November 1st it will be featured prominently at the Fishersville Public Library. At a time when libraries are under such pressure to censor content and ban books, please express your LOVE and support for these experienced staff members and essential community learning institutions.
Halloween Fest!
It's the spooky time of year and Staunton is getting in the spirit with its first Halloween Fest. For that, there will be a plethora of events all day Saturday, October 28th, throughout downtown. We will be extending our hours that evening for the last day of Andrew Davis' exhibit and will be open till 6.
For more info on what's happening check the Halloween Fest online here...
Open Calls
Interested in showing your art with us? We will be issuing open calls for our gallery spaces starting in January, so keep an eye out on our website and start building up your portfolio!
In the meantime, our friends at the Staunton Library are looking for artists for their display cases. For more info just click below.
Are you looking for artists to display at your business? If so let us know and we will include it in future newsletters. Just email us at info@saartcenter.org
Thank You!
As always, we appreciate your support for the arts in Staunton and Augusta County! It is through your financial contributions that we are able to help make this area such a vibrant artistic hub! If you would care to make a tax-deductible contribution to SAAC so we can continue to fulfill our mission of supporting the arts, you can do so at any point by clicking here...
If you are unable to make a contribution at this moment but would still like to support us, you can consider helping in other ways such as.....
Creating a Facebook birthday fundraiser
Encouraging friends and family to become members
Volunteering at SAAC events