Get to Know Us

Shenandoah Valley Art Center was founded in 1986 by a group of local artists. They were looking for exhibit space and a fellowship organization for artists. Over the years SVAC has grown into a cultural cornerstone of downtown Waynesboro. In 2005 we bought our building at 122 S. Wayne Avenue and renovated it from the ground up. After moving in in 2007 we continued to grow, and we purchased an additional building for expansion. 416 W. Main Street opened to the public in 2023.

We are the only Community Art Center in our area, and the only full time dedicated exhibition gallery in Waynesboro. We have about 10 main exhibits per year, 9 member's exhibits, and 4-6 community exhibits. We host weekly children's classes, summer art camps, and a variety of adult classes and workshops each year. We have 7 studios with 9 artists in residence as well as a pottery studio and printmaking equipment. Our members may also benefit from our fully equipped framing studio.

We are funded through memberships, foundation and community grants, and donations from artists and art lovers. The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge and the City of Waynesboro are annual supporters and
we are generously funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Here’s a link where you can support us.

We also plan and present the largest two day art festival in the Shenandoah Valley: the Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show, now in its 53rd year. The Fall Foliage Art Show features 150 juried fine artists, local music, gourmet food trucks, and regional craft beer.

SVAC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.