2023
Spring of 2024 Arts Array is a VHCC-sponsored series of films, concerts, plays, art events, lectures, and more!
Cover Art Winner for Arts Array Spring 2024
The winner of the competition for Arts Array cover design is Rebecca Pippin with her blue morning glory flowers painting.
Who can
ATTEND?
Many of our Arts Array events are free and open to the public. Films shown at the VHCC Campus are free and open to the public. Please see the individual event to learn if an RVSP is required or if there is an additional cost associated with attendance.
Our
PARTNERS
Barter Theatre Emory and Henry College King University Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Our
University of Virginia’s College at Wise Washington County Public Library System William King Museum of Art Virginia Commission for the Arts
SPONSORS
If you would like to sponsor the Arts Array program or a specific Arts Array event, contact Debbie McCroskey at (276) 739-2536.
Need more
INFORMATION?
For additional information about the Arts Array please contact: Music Events Mary Munsey mmunsey@vhcc.edu 276-739-2454
Film, Theatre & Visual Art Events Marie Porterfield mporterfield@vhcc.edu 276-739-2550
Music
Events
Lynne Mackey Concert Pianist
Sunday, February 11th, 3pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
Lynne Mackey, pianist, combines masterful technique with extraordinary expressiveness to bring a wide range of classical music to audiences. The concert program “The Romantic Spirit,” explores the variety of style, expression, and diversity of Romantic composers from several countries. The music ranges from the shorter, delightful “Poetic Waltzes” of Enrique Granados, character pieces of Brahms, and concert etude of Franz Liszt, to the powerful preludes of Sergei Rachmaninoff and the G minor Ballade of Frédéric Chopin.
The Paramount Chamber Player’s Winter Concert Sunday, March 3rd, 3pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
You won’t want to miss this extraordinary concert of piano duos, string extravaganzas, and more! The Paramount Chamber Players continue their 19th concert season with a special guest appearance by international concert pianist Margaret Kim. Hailing from Vienna, Austria, Margaret will join Artistic Director Katherine Benson at the piano alongside other local celebrity musicians including Cherylonda Fitzgerald, Marianna Brickle, and our Bristol Music Club Scholarship Winner Joshua Kovac.
Brass 5
Sunday, March 24th, 3pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
One of America’s most successful educational ensembles, has been an active part of the Mid-Atlantic arts scene for nearly 40 years and will be performing an afternoon of sparkling treasures, something for everyone. Their selections will range from traditional settings to clever arrangements of favorites. Brass 5’s light-hearted approach to performance will make this an afternoon to remember. Their performances have been featured on numerous television and Public Radio and TV programs and have been broadcast live on National Public Radio. Eager to create exciting music, Brass 5 has been featured in concerts throughout Europe and the Mid-Atlantic area.
VHCC Old Time String Band
Tuesday, April 16th, 6pm • SWVA Cultural Center • FREE Admission
The VHCC Old Time String Band is an exciting and fun performance class that has been offered on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College each spring since 2012. It is open to all students, faculty and community members. The class may be taken for credit or not. Members of the group have ranged in age from 8-92 in past sessions. Some folks come back each spring to play again. The class meets on Monday afternoons 5-5:45 in the spring semester beginning January 22nd.
The Paramount Chamber Players Spring Concert Sunday, April 21st, 3pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
Composer of the many famous “Songs Without Words,” Felix Mendelssohn wrote one of the most difficult yet heart-breaking piano trios, the great Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor. Violinist Evie Chen and cellist Max Geissler will join pianist Katherine Benson in bringing this magnificent piece to life alongside brilliant works for string and piano duo.
State Line Wind Symphony Concert
Tuesday, April 23rd, 7:15pm • Southwest Higher Ed Center FREE Admission
The philosophy of the State Line Wind Symphony is simple: play and have fun doing it! Members must be over eighteen years old, eager to play music and actively participate in the rehearsals and concerts. We average 90 players per concert now. The premier performance was at The Paramount in May 2013. Admission is FREE at the SLWS concerts with hopes of serving the area citizens with good symphonic music to enjoy at no cost. Bring your kids, friends and neighbors and come on out to this delightful musical celebration of spring. VHCC is proud of its students that participate in this fun group.
Music
Events
Old Time String Band Fundraiser for White’s Mill Saturday, April 27th, 5pm • White’s Mill • FREE Admission
Bring a lawn chair and come on out to the beautiful historic White’s Mill. Enjoy a BBQ dinner while listening to the VHCC Community Old Time String Band. This class meets Mondays from January through early-May and learns standard American Old Time Music. White’s Mill has long served the neighboring community. Since the late 18th century, the mill provided meal and flour for the farm and kitchen, as well as a gathering place for sharing news and views. $10.00 fee per meal if wanted!
VHCC Spring Choir & Old Time String Band
Tuesday, April 30th, 7pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
The VHCC Choir and Old Time String Band will be presenting their spring concert at VHCC in the Keyser-Aday Theatre at 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 30th. The Choir and Old Time String Band consist of students, retired faculty, community members, retirees and anyone that wants to sing or play a string instrument. These credit or non-credit classes are offered through VHCC and through the Workforce Development Center at VHCC.
The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra
Sunday, May 5th, 3pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
The Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece big band comprised of musicians from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The band specializes in playing music from the big band era to present day including the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and many more. Director and Drummer, Eddie Dalton, organized this group in 2017. Since then the group has performed for various venues and events throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia including NPR live radio broadcasts, music festivals, theaters, restaurants and weddings.
Visual Art
Events
Unhinged Valentine Workshop at the Art Lab
Friday, February 9th, 10am - 1pm • Art Lab - WKMA • FREE Admission RSVP Required! Space is limited to 15 participants. Contact Marie Porterfield at mporterfield@vhcc.edu to reserve a spot. Bring your snark and sass for this workshop in the Art Lab! Participants will learn basic printmaking techniques to create vintage and mixed-media style Valentine cards with a sarcastic twist. Prefer to keep it sweet? There is room for that, too! This event is presented in partnership with the Art Lab at William Musuem of Art.
“I Belong” VHCC Student Art Exhibition
Monday, February 19th - Friday, March 1st • VHCC Art Gallery, LRC • FREE Admission Visit the VHCC campus art gallery to view student works of art exploring the concept of “I Belong”. The VHCC art gallery is located within the campus library in the LRC building, which is open to the public during regular business hours.
Visual Art
Events
Urban Pathways Brick Painting Workshop
Friday, February 23rd, 10am - 1pm • The Arts Depot • FREE Admission RSVP Required! Space is limited to 30 participants. Contact Marie Porterfield at
mporterfield@vhcc.edu to reserve a spot. Join us at the Arts Depot in Abingdon to paint a brick for the Urban Pathways public art installation. No prior experience is required. Participants may bring sketches or reference images from which to work as they design and paint the brick for installation along the public pathway with the support of the Arts Depot staff and the VHCC art professor, Marie Porterfield.
VHCC Poet Laureate & Visual Art Luminary Awards Reception Thursday, February 27th • 2pm • VHCC Library, LRC • FREE Admission Join us to celebrate the talents of our student artists and poets at the awards ceremony and reception for the VHCC Poet Laureate and Visual Art Luminary Competition.
Ribbon Pot Workshop at the Art Lab
Friday, March 1st • 10am – 1pm • Art Lab – WKMA • FREE Admission d Join us for a hands-on workshop in the Art Lab ceramics studio. This workshop takes participants through slab pottery techniques to create a unique decorative ribbon planter to hold a small potted plant. Pots will be fired unglazed to allow participants to finish and decorate as they choose. No prior experience is necessary. This event is presented in partnership with the Art Lab at William King Museum of Art.
John Hilton Drawing & Print Exhibition
Monday, March 11th - Thursday, April 11th • VHCC Art Gallery, LRC • FREE Admission
Visit the VHCC campus art gallery to view drawings and prints by John Hilton, whose works explore the concept of identity. These meticulously rendered, detailed works of art balance beautiful technique with a sense of humor and playfulness. The VHCC art gallery is located within the campus library in the LRC building, which is open to the public during regular business hours.
VHCC Student Art Exhibition
Saturday, April 6th - Thursday, April 25th • The Arts Depot • FREE Admission
Visit the Arts Depot in Abingdon to see an exhibition of student works of art made during the 2023-2024 academic year. Works include examples from courses in drawing, painting, graphic design, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, and multimedia design. This event is free and open to the public during the regular business hours for the Arts Depot.
Meet the Artists Reception
Saturday, April 6th • 2pm - 4pm • The Arts Depot • FREE Admission
Join us for art, snacks, and conversation at the Meet the Artists Reception for the VHCC Student Art Exhibition at the Arts Depot in Abingdon. This event is free and open to the public.
Visual Art
Events
Artist Talk with John Hilton
Thursday, April 11th • 2pm - 3pm • ISC 130 • FREE Admission
Join us for an artist talk with printmaker John Hilton whose beautifully rendered and detailed works of art explore the concept of identity, infused with a little humor and absurdity. Listen as John explains how the creatures in his prints and drawings are expertly crafted through hours of intensive work and dedication to technique.
Eco-Dyed Paper Workshop at the Art Lab
Friday, April 12th • 10am - 1pm • Art Lab – WKMA • FREE Admission RSVP Required! Space is limited to 10 participants. Contact Marie Porterfield at
mporterfield@vhcc.edu to reserve a spot. Join us for a hand-on workshop in the Art Lab! This workshop takes participants through the steps to dye paper using natural materials. While your paper is processing, you’ll also learn how to make a pamphlet stitch book with an accordion feature. This event is presented in partnership with the Art Lab at William King Museum of Art.
Theatre
Events
Home
by Samm-Art Williams
Thursday, February 29th • 7:30pm • Barter Theatre, Smith Theatre Stage RSVP Required! Space is limited. Contact Marie Porterfield at mporterfield@vhcc.edu to reserve a ticket.
Join us for VHCC Night at the Barter in the Smith theatre for a production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams. Cephus Miles is a hardworking North Carolina farmer who has the whole world in his callused hands—until his love Pattie Mae goes off to college and marries another man. Hurt and confused, Cephus leaves his country life and answers the siren call of the city, a journey that leads him to discover his true home. Originally staged by the Negro Ensemble Company, this melodic coming-of-age story gives voice to the unbreakable spirit of every American who has searched for a place to belong. This production is a part of Barter’s Black Stories Black Voices initiative.
Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act Thursday, April 11th • 7:30pm Friday, April 12th • 7:30pm Saturday, April 13th • 7:30pm Sunday, April 14th • 2:30pm Keyser-Aday Theater FREE Admission
The Sisters of Perpetual Sewing miss the excitement of the old days when they were saving convents and reuniting long-lost families. So, when they learn that the orphanage where Paul and Kate grew up is in peril, they can’t wait to come to the rescue. Everyone pitches in to mount a play to raise money, but it’s no easy feat when Kate’s expecting any day, Sally’s hiding from stage-fright-stricken Paul after another flight from the altar, Mother Superior’s acting is unexpectedly narcoleptic, and the sister’s award-winning wine keeps getter switched with the grape juice. The merry mix-ups multiply in this warm and winsome sequel to Drinking Habits.
Theatre
Events
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production by the UVA-Wise Theatre Division
Thursday, May 2nd • 1:30pm • Keyser-Aday Theatre • FREE Admission
Film
Join us on the campus of VHCC for UVA-Wise’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love as residents of Athens mix with fairies from a local forest with comic results. Revel in a story of order and disorder, reality and appearance, and love and marriage in one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
Events
FREE for ALL • Showings are on the VHCC Campus located in ISC 130
In the Heights Rating: PG-13
Thurs., Jan. 25 at 2pm & Fri., Jan. 26 at 6pm • ISC 130
Usnavi is a bodega owner who longs to go back to his native Dominican Republic. In the meantime, he spends his time in a small neighborhood in Washington Heights pining after Vanessa, a beautiful lady working at the beauty salon and looking after Abuela Claudia, the elderly Cuban lady living next door who raised him, among many others. One day, Usnavi’s childhood friend Nina comes back from college with a secret, and Abuela Claudia wins the lottery.
The Peanut Butter Falcon Rating: PG-13 Thurs., Feb. 1 at 2pm & Fri., Feb. 2 at 6pm • ISC 130
A young man with Down syndrome teams up with a scruffy outlaw to travel across the Southeast, encountering colorful characters along the way.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Rating: PG-13 Thurs., Feb. 15 at 2pm & Fri., Feb. 16 at 6pm • ISC 130
Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.
Still a Black Star Rating: TV-MA
Thurs., Mar. 14 at 2pm & Fri., Mar. 15 at 6pm • ISC 130
The film follows the humanitarian efforts of Mago, one of the most influential artists from Japan, who has tracked the world’s flow of waste and recycling to the slums of Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana.
Kajillionaire Rating: R
Thurs., Apr. 4 at 2pm & Fri., Apr. 5 at 6pm • ISC 130
Old Dolio, the 26-year-old homeschooled daughter to a dysfunctional pair of Los Angeles scam artists, begins to question her unconventional upbringing and her identity after her parents invite a credulous stranger to participate in an upcoming scheme.
Honeyland Rating: Not Rated
Thurs., Apr. 18 at 2pm & Fri., Apr. 19 at 6pm • ISC 130
In Macedonia, the last native beekeeper relies upon traditional methods to harvest honey deep in the mountains. However, her livelihood is jeopardized when a nomadic farming family attempts to infringe on her beekeeping and competes with her for resources, all the while ignoring her beekeeping knowledge.
www.vhcc.edu/artsarray
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