ABOUT
THE ARTS CENTER
The Mission of The Arts Center in Orange is to increase the quality of life in our community by promoting an appreciation for fine contemporary arts in diverse styles and ideologies.
This is accomplished by providing:
a forum to promote artistic excellence; scholarship and education
a venue for artists and artisans to work, teach, exhibit and sell work
a place for the community to learn skills, and to participate in, as well as enjoy the arts
HISTORY
Established in 1997, The Arts Center began by offering classes and having small gallery shows in a series of buildings leased to us at reduced rates. In 2001 retired businessman and town mayor Bob Morin donated his Main Street building to The Arts Center. We immediately got down to work, renovating a portion of the first floor and opened in February of 2001. Since that time we have seen our programs and attendance expand dramatically, along with increased demand from other local non-profits, government, and schools to collaborate on projects and programs.
In 2014 the Arts Center’s Board of Directors responded to the growing demand by initiating a capital campaign to fund a two-phase renovation of our historic 1911 building to create a dedicated ceramics studio, artist studio rental, a music loft, a lift/elevator, and additional meeting and office space from currently unoccupied space. The first phase of the renovation — structural repair, insulation, HVAC and the clay studio – was completed in the summer of 2017.
Watch the wonderful video below, produced by award-winning local film makers Ross Hunter and Phil Audibert, to learn more about The Arts Center In Orange.
OUR
PROGRAMS
Exhibitions in The Morin Gallery
Virginia Artist and Artisan Shop
Classes and Camps for Children and Adults
Public Programs
The Community Outreach Program
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Ed Harvey, Board President
Betsy Brantley, Vice President
Grayson Butterfield, Secretary
Chip Queitzsch, Treasurer
Dale Hilton
Sara Jaeger
Jeff Poole
Helen Thompson
Robert Turner
Richard (Buzz) VanSantvoord
OUR
TEAM
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As Executive Director, Anna works with The Arts Center’s Board and her team to oversee the organization’s development, financial operations, exhibition, programming, and staff. Born and raised in rural Virginia, Anna holds an MA in East Asian Art from Sotheby’s Institute in London, earned her BFA in Painting from Old Dominion University, and believes that supporting artists is crucial for thriving,resilient communities. Prior to joining The Arts Center in Orange, she worked with SculptureCenter, the Park Avenue Armory, Chambers Fine Art, Kaikai Kiki New York, and Asia House UK, among others.
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Laura keeps gallery exhibitions and the studio spaces running on schedule! She began working with The Arts Center as a volunteer, then continued as the Ceramics Studio Artist in Residence before joining the staff.
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Jon Larsen traveled all over the country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, living everywhere between Alaska and Maryland. While in Maryland, he graduated from Towson University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Art. After taking a glass window making class, Larsen fell in love with the medium. He now resides in Central VA and has been involved in The Art Center in Orange for the past few years as an instructor, exhibiting artist, and now a member of the team!