Hello, fellow art lovers,
As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for making this year truly remarkable. Your support has been the driving force behind our success, and we are thrilled to reflect on the incredible moments that defined the past 12 months.
In 2023, our gallery showcased phenomenal exhibits from amazing artists such as Gene Provenzo and Andrew Davis, which captivated audiences with their thought-provoking and inspiring works. Art in the Park reached new heights, becoming our largest and most successful event yet, thanks to the vibrant community spirit that surrounded it. We also took significant strides in fostering a sense of community through pop-up events and initiatives like Staunton First Fridays, creating engaging spaces for art lovers to come together.
Furthermore, we were delighted to bring back the VMFA Artmobile, bringing a world-class museum directly into our community. We also strove to build meaningful partnerships to enhance the overall cultural landscape of our community through our collaborations with organizations such as the Augusta County Library, The Brigade Band, and the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace.
Looking ahead to the new year, we are excited to bring you even more exceptional events and exhibitions. January marks the beginning of an art-filled year, and we can't wait to share what we have planned. You can read below for more information detailing the exciting events and experiences we have in store, starting with a new exhibit in January.
Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey, and we look forward to creating more artful memories together in the coming year! Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with creativity and community.
Warm regards,
Angus Carter
Executive Director
Staunton Augusta Art Center
Year End Giving
As the year concludes, we extend heartfelt thanks for your pivotal role in sustaining our art center. Your support has been instrumental in fostering a thriving creative community. As you reflect on the year, we invite you to consider a year-end gift to bolster our mission. Your contributions, made before the year closes, not only champion the arts but are also tax deductible. For those seeking a lasting impact, explore Legacy Giving options to leave an enduring mark on our artistic legacy.
Throughout the year, your unwavering support through Memberships, event sponsorships, and renewals has been our foundation. Your dedication ensures our continued success. We look forward to welcoming you back to our galleries in the coming year.
Thank you for being a vital part of our artistic journey.
ArT fOR gIFTS
For you frantic last-minute holiday shoppers, Art for Gifts is here to the rescue, running until December 31! This is SAAC's annual artful and thoughtful unique holiday boutique in the galleries featuring original art of over 40 local and regional artists and artisans. SAAC Members receive 10% off their purchases. Bring joy to your loved ones this season while supporting your local arts community.
For shop hours and details, visit...
New Exhibit
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Get ready for an artful start to the new year as our exhibitions make a triumphant return in January, featuring a stellar exhibit that promises to captivate and inspire. Brace yourself for an enriching artistic experience that showcases creativity at its finest. The first exhibition of 2024, titled "Cut Up and Put Together," is a captivating group collage showcase featuring the distinctive works of talented artists: Peter Allen, Sarah Lawson, Terri Long, Matthew Phelan, and Chris Siron. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme, promising a diverse and engaging visual feast.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the opening reception on Friday, January 12, at 5:00 pm. Join us for a celebration of artistic expression, where you can meet the artists, delve into the creative process, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Cut Up and Put Together." For a comprehensive list of exhibits scheduled throughout 2024, keep an eye on our website, as we'll be updating it soon with details on the upcoming showcases that promise to make this year a vibrant and art-filled journey. Stay tuned for more artistic adventures!
Saturday art labs
Saturday Art Labs for kids continue in January 2024 as well. SAAC is proud to welcome Sue Stone from Mudd Diggs Studio as our newest Saturday Art Lab teacher. She will be introducing students to clay sculpting as well as mono-printing with clay.
In her Intro to Clay Sculpting class, students will learn how to free sculpture a fish and implement creative design. They will also learn how to turn a large pinch pot, with coil work and sculpture techniques into a funny fish. During the Mono Printing class, students will be using colored clay to design a pattern, which will be applied to the clay creating a three-D design. Stencils and surface design will be applied as well.
Following that our February Art Labs will focus on the technique and history of African American artists and their work.
Registration for classes opens soon, for more info please visit
First Fridays
Join us for Staunton's First Fridays this January! While we gear up for our next exhibit, explore our new window display delving into the Bauhaus movement—a revolutionary design and art school from the early 20th century. Witness the bold principles of Bauhaus through our dynamic display, which serves as a sneak peek into our upcoming "Dance Your Art Off" event. Strike a pose, snap a selfie, and tag us #SAAC to share the artistic energy. Learn more about the Bauhaus art movement below...
DANCE YOUR ART OFF
Prepare to immerse yourself in a fusion of art and movement as Dance Your Art Off makes its spectacular return! Join us on February 10th for "Dance Your Art Off: A Black and White Bauhaus Bash," a dance party inspired by the revolutionary Bauhaus movement. Mark your calendars and step into a world where black-and-white aesthetics meet the avant-garde principles of Bauhaus design. The dance floor will transform into a dynamic canvas, reflecting the ethos of Bauhaus creativity. Bauhaus, known for its emphasis on minimalism, geometric shapes, and the unity of art and functionality, will serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable night of rhythmic celebration. This event promises a unique blend of movement, music, and artistic inspiration, inviting you to express yourself in the spirit of Bauhaus innovation. Don't miss the chance to dance your art off in this extraordinary celebration on February 10th!
Tickets go on sale soon here...
What do You Think?
We highly value your feedback and invite you to actively contribute to the improvement of our programs through two important surveys. The first survey focuses on enhancing our kids' classes, seeking your insights to ensure an enriching learning environment for our young participants. The second survey is dedicated to developing adult programming, and we are eager to hear your preferences regarding classes, workshops, and events for our adult community. Your valuable input will guide us in creating more engaging and tailored educational experiences for everyone.
Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and we look forward to receiving your insights to enhance our programs further.
Open Call for art
Artists, the Staunton Augusta Art Center (SAAC) invites you to share your creativity in our 2025 gallery shows! Submissions open on January 1, 2024, welcoming artists from various mediums to showcase their work. Whether you're an emerging talent or an established creator, this is your chance to be part of a vibrant artistic community. SAAC is dedicated to celebrating diversity in art, providing a platform for you to connect with enthusiasts and patrons. Prepare your portfolios and mark your calendars for the opportunity to contribute to the cultural richness of the 2025 season. We look forward to discovering and showcasing your unique perspectives!
For more information and information on our galleries please click below.
PechaKucha
SAAC is excited to host Staunton PechaKucha (Japanese for "chit chat") on February 15th! Think TED Talks with artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs with challenging and groundbreaking ideas and initiatives that benefit your community and the globe. Call for speakers! If you are not familiar, the fun and zippy PechaKucha format is 20 slides x 20 seconds each (for a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds) to share a story you are excited and ready to share!
If you are interested in sharing this round, we have a few slots left. You can contact The Pechakucha_staunton on Instagram or email Traci Wile at traciwile@gmail.com to let us know you’re interested or if you have any questions!
To learn more and see examples please visit...
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 below.
If you are unable to contribute 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
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