Arts & Culture
Suffolk’s up and coming arts and culture scene has developed into the perfect blend of local, regional and national artisans through visual art, theatre, dance, music and more. Whether it’s the spoken word, an expression captured in a photograph or the timeless grace of a ballet dancer – Suffolk opens a gateway for artists and those who appreciate their craft.
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
110 West Finney Avenue
757.923.0003 administrative office
757.923.2900 box office
www.SuffolkCenter.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm
Ticket window opens 90 minutes
prior to events
Suffolk High School, built in 1922, has been restored and repurposed as the premier visual and performing arts venue for Suffolk.
In the heart of downtown, the classic Greek-Revival structure houses a 500 seat theatre which is the stage for concerts, ballets, musicals, dramatic works, symphony performances, films, children’s plays, puppet shows and so much more.
Two beautiful art galleries flank the Birdsong Theatre and host an ever-changing array of world-class exhibits. The galleries also provide additional space for special Event rentals, receptions, meetings, etc.
The 62,880 square foot facility offers studios for dance, painting, sculpting, weaving classes and several other arts related classes. Within the massive three-story Center, there is a ballroom and banquet hall, classroom museum, gifts shop and an on-site restaurant (Mosaic by Holland’s).
The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts offers a diverse program to entertain and educate all ages. The 2010-2011 performance season includes Clay Jenkinson as Captain Meriwether Lewis, Mark Nizer’s New 3-D Show, An Evening of Opera and Broadway, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Einstein: The Practical Bohemian, Thunder Creek Bluegrass & Gospel, and More!
Shooting Star Gallery
118 North Main Street
757.934.0885
www.shootingstargallery.net
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-5pm
Shooting Star Gallery is situated prominently on North Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Suffolk. The Gallery features photography, conservation framing, fine arts and crafts by regional and National artists, soaps and candles, and photo restoration.
Owner, Brenda Wright began her photographic journey in Southwestern Virginia in the 1960s and continues that photo journey today. She exhibits her work on a regional, national, and international level and has become known for her tight compositions and off-kilter artistry.
Shooting Star Gallery offers a rotating exhibit schedule featuring a broad expanse of artistry. Additionally, handcrafted artisan-quality jewelry, truly one-of-a-kind gifts and other treasures may be found in the Gallery’s gift shop.
Suffolk Art Gallery
Suffolk Art League
118 Bosley Avenue
757.514.7284
757.925.0448
www.suffolkmuseumva.com
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1pm-5pm
Don’t let the name fool you! The Suffolk Art Gallery Is not a museum at all. In fact, it’s a lovely art gallery situated in the historic Lakeside neighborhood in downtown Suffolk. Nestled amongst Victorian and Colonial architecture, you’ll find a former library constructed in the early 1960’s and repurposed as the Suffolk Art Gallery in the mid 1980’s.
The Museum hosts a variety of exhibits and through a partnership with the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers year-round programming. From painting and pastels to weaving and quilting, you can find a variety of art classes and workshops offered by the Suffolk Art League.
Annual events include The Suffolk Art League’s Juried Arts Exhibition, The Student Exhibit of Excellence, Suffolk Art Gallery’s Annual Juried Photography Exhibit, and the Suffolk Art League’s open Member’s Show. New and exciting exhibits, events and lecture series are included throughout the year at the Suffolk Art Gallery.
