Past, Present and Future
The Virginia Beach Art Center is a non-profit organization formed to provide an educational and supportive environment in which to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to experience, engage with and create art.
We fulfill this mission by bringing together Exhibitions, Art and Pottery Classes and The Artists Gallery with a full program of events and activities to engage the community. Located in the ViBe Creative District since 2019, the Art Center is a cornerstone for local art in the community.
We fulfill this mission by bringing together Exhibitions, Art and Pottery Classes and The Artists Gallery with a full program of events and activities to engage the community. Located in the ViBe Creative District since 2019, the Art Center is a cornerstone for local art in the community.
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History of Artists Gallery Cooperative
In 1987, seven local artists created an informal cooperative in order to affordably share the expenses of leasing studio and gallery space. Two years later, they incorporated to become The Artists Gallery cooperative for local artists. Over the next 31 years, under the direction of Constance Fahey, they have continued to grow and thrive. They now occupy the central area of the Art Center with 22 resident artists and 30 exhibiting artists.
In 1987, seven local artists created an informal cooperative in order to affordably share the expenses of leasing studio and gallery space. Two years later, they incorporated to become The Artists Gallery cooperative for local artists. Over the next 31 years, under the direction of Constance Fahey, they have continued to grow and thrive. They now occupy the central area of the Art Center with 22 resident artists and 30 exhibiting artists.
History of Pottery Program
Elaine Goulart began the pottery program in the late 1970s by teaching a class for the city’s Parks and Recreation department. Elaine and a team of instructors slowly built a robust program of classes. They gradually added wheels, kilns and other equipment, often purchasing it with money raised by sales of their own works. The city discontinued the offering of pottery classes through Parks and Recreation in 2018. Rather than allow this treasure to dissolve, the Virginia Beach Art Center has adopted the program and now offers a full range of pottery classes in the Bailey Ceramic Studio.
Elaine Goulart began the pottery program in the late 1970s by teaching a class for the city’s Parks and Recreation department. Elaine and a team of instructors slowly built a robust program of classes. They gradually added wheels, kilns and other equipment, often purchasing it with money raised by sales of their own works. The city discontinued the offering of pottery classes through Parks and Recreation in 2018. Rather than allow this treasure to dissolve, the Virginia Beach Art Center has adopted the program and now offers a full range of pottery classes in the Bailey Ceramic Studio.