Art & Culture

Commonwealth Musical Stage was incorporated in 1991 as the State’s only professional theatre committed exclusively to the production of musical theatre. To more clearly reflect the company’s identity, the name was changed to Virginia Musical Theatre (VMT) in 1997. VMT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. A volunteer board of trustees oversees the fiduciary responsibilities of the company. Now entering its 29th season, VMT remains the only professional arts organization in Hampton Roads devoted exclusively to musical theatre. This focused commitment ensures its contributions enhance efforts of other institutions to complete the region’s cultural fabric. VMT provides: 1) affordable, professional, high quality productions; 2) added breadth to alternative popular fare offered by...

The smallest, kindest, and quietest gestures are what make the greatest impact.  There are very few people who recognize the impact of the arts as much as Annie Sandler.  Alongside her husband Art, they recognized Virginia Beach’s need for a cultural center and supported the architectural masterpiece the Sandler Center of the Performing Arts.  It was dedicated in November of 2007.    Mrs. Sandler has been a pioneer in the greater Hampton Roads community by helping the arts come alive for all ages.  In the beginning, when asked to be President of the Sandler Center Board, she was hesitant at first but felt the responsibility to help lead the team since everyone was completely committed.  Together they raised $3 million more than what was expected of...

By Savanna Montiero It was the first day of Autumn. The leaves were changing and dangling loosely from the trees, winter was coming. “I will not go an entire winter without seeing the sun” I thought to myself. I needed to book a vacation where I could whisk away my partner Shea in effort to escape the cold. “Groupon!” I thought to myself, “an affordable option for anyone looking for a bargain.” I was overwhelmed by the vast variety of destinations in front of me. And then it was there, as clear as day, Cartagena, Colombia! I had seen photos of my favorite fashion blogger, Danielle Berstein (@weworewhat) in Cartagena just over a year ago. Colorful buildings, white sand beaches, and women carrying fresh fruit on their heads seemed perfect. Shortly thereafter, I booked our trip o...

Each month, HRW will honor one of today’s woman leaders and pair her with like-minded a historical woman leader who is honored and highlighted in the Women’s Monument.  Adele Goodman Clark has a bronze statue in pride of place in the Voices from the Garden on the capitol square in Richmond Virginia. Adele Goodman Clark as a suffragette pushing womens’ right to vote Adele Goodman Clark was born in 1882 in Montgomery, Alabama to Robert Clark, a railroad worker originally from Belfast, and Estelle Goodman Clark, a Jewish music teacher originally from New Orleans. Her family lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Pass Christian, Mississippi before moving to Richmond, Virginia in 1894. Clark attended the Virginia Randolph Ellett School. In 1906 Adele went to the New York School of...

—More than 80 original artworks highlight Carle’s nighttime scenes— NORFOLK, Va. (March 19, 2019) – June marks the 50th anniversary of the release of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the wildly popular picture book by Eric Carle. The beloved children’s book author and artist is famous for his representations of insects, animals and classic fables. The Chrysler Museum of Art is excited to present a dynamic selection of original works by the artist in Eric Carle: Moonlit Nights & Other Illustrations, on view from June 14–Sept. 8. While Carle traditionally illustrates daytime scenes by depicting figures against unmarked white paper, he evocatively collages his nighttime stories over painted fields of deep blues and swirling indigos. This exhibition focuses on the artist’s nighttime scenes ...

In 2007, Richard Stravitz decided to open the Stravitz Art Gallery on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach, VA so he could showcase his talent while helping to support local artists here in the Hampton Roads area do the same. His studio is downstairs in the gallery so you can see the Master Sculptor at work. As often said by many, this Gallery brings a “So Ho” feel to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront area with its high ceilings and chrome industrial piping. On Saturday March 23rd the Stravitz Fine Art Gallery hosted Resurfacing: The Art of John Alan Stock. John Alan Stock is an American artist, currently residing in Virginia.  He graduated with a Bachelors of Architecture from The Ohio State University with minor study in Fine Arts.  Given his career in urban planning and archite...

The Chrysler Museum of Art will explore the heights of the American watercolor movement in Watercolor: An American Medium. The exhibition features spectacular works by the leading watercolor artists of the 19th century as well as modern artists. The exhibition includes selections from the Chrysler Museum of Art’s collection of works on paper, as well as works borrowed from collections throughout Hampton Roads, including the Hampton University Museum and several private owners. Because the watercolors in the Chrysler’s collection are especially sensitive to light, they are only displayed for limited periods to preserve the richness of their color.  This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view some of the Chrysler’s hidden gems. “Bringing together these works from the Ch...