Creating Community Through the Arts
Arts Council of the Valley is a nonprofit committed to cultivating the arts, creating experiences, and connecting communities in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
Painting Resumes
at Unity Mural
Arts Council of the Valley is working with artist David Draime to create a large-scale international mural at 34 S Main St in downtown Harrisonburg! The Unity in Diversity mural – coming to life through local painters implementing designs from passionate artists living thousands of miles away – is growing again after a winter break. Stop by to check out the progress and learn how you can show support!
VMFA Artmobile to Visit Harrisonburg!
VMFA on the Road will be in Harrisonburg (between the Smith House and Turner Pavilion) during First Fridays of the Valley June 5 (5-7 pm) and again Saturday, June 6 (9 am-1 pm). The Artmobile’s new exhibition, Virginia as America: Navigating Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, honors America’s 250th birthday with artworks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts permanent collection.
Thanks to the Rockingham County Circuit Court Clerk’s office for sponsoring this visit!
Coming Soon
to Smith House Galleries
Kicking off with a reception June 5 (5-7 pm), Selected Works by David Douglas will be on view at Smith House Galleries throughout June 2026. Explore photo-encaustic works on panel, blending photography with drawing and painting techniques, and chat with the artist himself during the First Fridays of the Valley opening reception!
Grants Advance the Arts
For Educators
Want to engage the power of art to enrich learning for your students? Arts for Education grants ($500-$1,500) are awarded to educators and educational organizations for innovative arts projects in classroom or lifelong learning settings.
For Local Artists
Explore the Arts
Smith House
Galleries
The historic Smith House is now home to galleries featuring works by emerging and established artists, with new exhibitions opening the First Friday of the month. Come by for a visual arts feast weekdays between 11 am and 4 pm; and each Second Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm.
First Fridays
of the Valley
Visual and performing arts take center stage the First Friday of every month. Create your own artwalk to see – and hear – what’s new at more than 30 participating venues.
Public Art
Check out the ever-growing number of murals and sculptures in Harrisonburg, inviting you to incorporate the richness of visual art in your daily or travel routine.
Donate
Today!
Arts Council of the Valley is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the arts, creating experiences, and connecting communities throughout the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
The continued success of our programs – Advancing the Arts Grants, First Fridays of the Valley, Public Art, and Smith House Galleries – depends on private support from people like you, who understand the power of the arts to transform lives.
Your tax-deductible donation – of any amount at any time – makes a tangible difference, and is greatly appreciated. Gifts by check are also welcome. Make the check payable to Arts Council of the Valley and mail to Arts Council of the Valley, 311 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Artist
Memberships
Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) Artist Memberships ($50/year) provide community artists with online recognition and an annual opportunity to showcase their work. Benefits include a full-page on ACV’s new website; listing in the ACV database of visual and performing artists; 10% discount on custom framing and/or supplies at Frame Factory & Gallery; and invitation to showcase in ACV’s annual Artist Member Exhibition; and a subscription to ACV’s monthly e-newsletter, which shares calls-for-entries, grant opportunities, and other artist resources.
