Earth Day Staunton 2024

Learn how to help the Earth every day at Earth Day Staunton, Saturday, April 20, 11am-3pm at Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand. This year’s theme, “STOP the Plastic Tidal Wave!” focuses on the effects of plastics on the planet. Enjoy a family-friendly, fun day for all with wildlife programs by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a live beehive exhibit, and electric cars on display. The Underground Classroom trailer will be on hand providing a worm’s eye view of the world of soil. Learn about everyday S.W.A.P.s (Save Whales, Avoid Plastic) that you can make to reduce plastic pollution. Children will receive an event passport to get stamped by exhibitors to earn a souvenir button. Food trucks will be on site. Composting and recycling will be offered by Shenandoah Green and Black Bear Composting. Bring your own reusable water bottle. An Earth Day poetry contest is open for submissions until April 30th. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the Gypsy Hill Park Gym.

Paint and Sip at Ciders from Mars

Saturday, March 9th from 2-4pm Ciders From Mars and The Art Hive is hosting a Paint and Sip to celebrate Valley Women’s Weekend! Attendees can celebrate women in our community and beyond by spending the afternoon sipping on cider or house-made mocktails and paint their own portrait of an iconic woman in pop-culture. Tickets are $40.

Wes Freed Memorial & Scholarship Fundraiser Opening Reception

Friday, March 1st from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Art Hive Creative Reuse and Art Center is hosting the Wes Freed Memorial & Scholarship Fundraiser Opening Reception. Wes Freed was born in Crimora, yet his art and music inspired artists across the globe. This event is free and open to the public. The Wes Freed Memorial Scholarship Fund at VCUarts aims to support the next generation of artists from the Shenandoah Valley and other rural communities, enabling them to contribute their unique perspectives to Virginia's creative narrative. The fund is currently at $18,000 towards its $50,000 goal for full endowment. Once reached, scholarships will be awarded to students from rural communities in the state of Virginia. Art prints and t-shirts will be available for purchase throughout March, proceeds of which will also benefit the scholarship fund.

Displacement: Photo Book Release and Pop Up Exhibition

The Staunton Augusta Art Center hosts the book release of Displacement, a photo book and pop up exhibition by Staunton based photographer Jeremy Starn on Friday, March 1 from 6 pm – 8 pm in the art center galleries. It is a photo exploration of folks in Costa Rica building a wooden sailing ship in the jungle. Minimally subsiding at a jungle shipyard in Costa Rica, an idiosyncratic commune is building the world’s largest wooden cargo sailing ship. Their mission is to offer competitive zero emission shipping using traditional tall ships. Years behind schedule, and millions in debt to investors, this unique subculture is striving for an alternative future. Admission: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome.

Annual Youth Art Show

The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the opening of its annual Youth Art Show, running from March 1 – March 30 in the galleries featuring the artwork of hundreds of K-12 grade students from public and private schools from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. This remarkable exhibition not only provides students the unique opportunity to display their work in a professional art gallery and allows the public to enjoy the multi-media artwork of students in their community. The Art Center works closely with area art teachers who curate their students’ involvement in this eagerly anticipated art show. This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Susan Polly, who annually supports these talented students and their artwork. Given the large scale of this exhibition, the openings are spread out throughout the weekend. The openings are open to the students, their friends and families, and the public. Openings are FREE and ALL are welcome. Saturday, March 2 from 1 pm – 4 pm – Augusta County Public Schools, Independent Studios, Private Schools Sunday, March 3 from 1 pm – 4 pm – Staunton Public Schools, Waynesboro Public Schools Admission: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome.

“Drawn to Trees” opening reception

Friday, March 1st from 5-7pm the CoArt Gallery is hosting the opening reception for Joan Graybeal-Menard. Joan’s exhibit is “Drawn to Trees,” using the medium of graphite. Light refreshments will be served and Joan will be available to answer questions about her artwork. The exhibit will be showcased the entire month of March. for more information you can visit coartgallery.com

Knit-a-Thon

Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th the Art Hive Creative Reuse and Art Center is also hosting a Knit-a-Thon, where attendees can craft warmth and hope for those in need. This event aims to benefit the homeless by creating handmade knit hats and crocheted soap bags to provide comfort during the chilly months. This event is FREE and open to the seasoned knitter or beginner. Art Hive will provide the space and the yarn for items created during the event.Attendees can also bring pieces made ahead of time. For more information you can visit arthive. art.

Iron and Tannin

Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th from 1:00-4:00 pm the Art Hive Creative Reuse and Art Center is hosting Iron and Tannin where participants can Experiment with Local Material Metaphors in the Natural Dye Process with local fiber artist Taylor Hanigosky of Wild Altar Farmstead. This workshop is $75 and all supplies are included. For more information you can visit arthive.art.

Dallas Ugly with Matthew McAllister and Julia Kwolyk

Join The Front Porch for a great night of music from Nashville-based band Dallas Ugly and singer/songwriter duo Matthew McAllister and Julia Kwolyk! Doors open at 7pm. Advanced tickets are $18.

Queen City Music Studios House Concert Series | Women Who Rock

Join us at Baja Bean in Staunton for the next iteration of Queen City Music Studio’s House Concert Series! This rocking performance will feature members of your favorite local bands collaborating with each other, and will feature several special guests; all who will be paying tribute to the great women rockers for Women’s History Month!