Exhibitions in the Brock Gallery
There is always new art gracing the walls of the Brock Gallery! Here you will find the best that local and regional artists have to offer. Each month a new exhibition theme will take you into the minds of the artists and how they interpret the world around them.
While you visit, pick up our self-guided Art Talk to help you and your friends as you view and assess the art. Changing monthly themes guarantee that you'll find fresh and new eye candy each time you visit!
Join us on the First Friday of each month for the opening receptions. You'll meet and chat with artists, listen to the juror and get the insider's experience of art in Virginia Beach. Use the exhibition calendar below to plan your First Fridays for the rest of the year!
While you visit, pick up our self-guided Art Talk to help you and your friends as you view and assess the art. Changing monthly themes guarantee that you'll find fresh and new eye candy each time you visit!
Join us on the First Friday of each month for the opening receptions. You'll meet and chat with artists, listen to the juror and get the insider's experience of art in Virginia Beach. Use the exhibition calendar below to plan your First Fridays for the rest of the year!
Current Exhibitions:
Aware '26 - Love Our Earth"
Exhibition Main Gallery October 2 - November 1 
Teachers and Students
Exhibition September 10 - November 8 Jean Rawls Classroom |
A Thing of Beauty
Satellite Exhibit at Towne Pavilion Center I 2101 Parks Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 August 14 - January 10, 2027 Hours: M-F 7am - 7pm Doors close at 7pm so you want to be gone by 6:45pm. Art is on select levels of the building. Opened Art Calls
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Virginia Beach Art Center exhibitions are generously supported by the Fine Family.
2026 Exhibitions Calendar
Teachers & Students Exhibition in the Jean Rawls Classroom
It’s back, our annual Teachers and students Exhibition and we heard you loud and clear, so we are hosting this exhibit in the Jean Rawls Classroom at the center. We are looking forward to seeing how the instructors have influenced their students and even vice versa. The theme is open but there are some important guidelines to follow. The submission is open to students that have taken classes at the Virginia Beach Art Center during 2026. You do not have to be currently enrolled but may have taken a class earlier in the year, this also includes students that are or have taken private classes.
Submission Closed
August: A Thing of Beauty @Towne Pavilion Center 1
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever," are the famous opening lines from the English Romantic poet John Keats' long poem Endymion. It suggests that beauty is an everlasting source of joy and energy that never fades away or loses its value, even in the world we live today. How can these words inspire you to create, using your imagination and skill to connect us to the beauty of your art.
Submission Closed
September: Animalia
Animals of all kinds! From the tiniest microorganism to the largest animal on earth, they are all living things and contribute to our world. The options are too many to name! Impress us with your interpretation of Animalia.
Submission Closed
October: AWARE ’26 “Love our Earth”
This amazing planet we call earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old, with an incredible small margin of error of about 50 million years. This amazing celestial body has endured many changes and is continually in flux with ever changing environments. Modern humans have inhabited the earth for about 300.000 years with other human lineage stretching to about 6 million years. With evolution perfecting our species we are the custodians of this planet. It is upon us to love it and take care of it for future generations to come. We challenge you to create art that will enlighten the community and teach us how to ensure we are taking care of the planet. This year we have partnered with Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow) to aid us in disseminating the AWARE'26 message,
"Love Our Earth".
Submission Closed
"Love Our Earth" Aware '26
Tree of Life Community Art Installation
This year our community project is a Tree of Life which will be constructed in the middle of our main gallery and will contain approximately 500 images created by the community. The appropriately called Tree of Life is about the past, present and future of the globe. The images that will hang depict insects, flora and fauna, mammals, the cosmos, dinosaurs, humanity, aquatic creatures, and birds.
This year we once again invite the community to participate by contributing to the community art installation.
Art Submission is Closed
November: Figure It Out
Figure it Out is a celebration of the human form whether it be realistic, abstracted or inspired by different artistic approaches. All types of art are encouraged to submit.
Submission Deadline: 10/15/26 – Exhibition Dates: 11/6 – 11/29/26 – Main Gallery
November: Solo Exhibition: Carol Anne McErlean
Exhibition Dates: 11/13/26 – 2/14/27 – Jean Rawls Classroom
December: Step Out
Annual Virginia Beach Art Center Exhibition
Step beyond your comfort zone and your usual artistic routine by exploring a new muse or experimenting with a medium you have not used before. Take a leap of faith, gain a fresh perspective, and embrace artistic growth.
This exhibit is open only to artists who participated in any 2026 exhibition held at the Virginia Beach Center or satellite location.
Submission Deadline: 11/12/26 – Exhibition Dates: 12/4 – 12/23/26 – Main Gallery
December: Holiday Boutique Market
The Virginia Beach Art Center will be hosting two weekends of Holiday Boutique Markets. The first weekend will be Black Friday November 27, Small Business Weekend Saturday November 28, and Sunday November 29. The second weekend will be Saturday December 12, and Sunday December 13.
Submission Deadline: Closed
Teachers & Students Exhibition in the Jean Rawls Classroom
It’s back, our annual Teachers and students Exhibition and we heard you loud and clear, so we are hosting this exhibit in the Jean Rawls Classroom at the center. We are looking forward to seeing how the instructors have influenced their students and even vice versa. The theme is open but there are some important guidelines to follow. The submission is open to students that have taken classes at the Virginia Beach Art Center during 2026. You do not have to be currently enrolled but may have taken a class earlier in the year, this also includes students that are or have taken private classes.
Submission Closed
August: A Thing of Beauty @Towne Pavilion Center 1
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever," are the famous opening lines from the English Romantic poet John Keats' long poem Endymion. It suggests that beauty is an everlasting source of joy and energy that never fades away or loses its value, even in the world we live today. How can these words inspire you to create, using your imagination and skill to connect us to the beauty of your art.
Submission Closed
September: Animalia
Animals of all kinds! From the tiniest microorganism to the largest animal on earth, they are all living things and contribute to our world. The options are too many to name! Impress us with your interpretation of Animalia.
Submission Closed
October: AWARE ’26 “Love our Earth”
This amazing planet we call earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old, with an incredible small margin of error of about 50 million years. This amazing celestial body has endured many changes and is continually in flux with ever changing environments. Modern humans have inhabited the earth for about 300.000 years with other human lineage stretching to about 6 million years. With evolution perfecting our species we are the custodians of this planet. It is upon us to love it and take care of it for future generations to come. We challenge you to create art that will enlighten the community and teach us how to ensure we are taking care of the planet. This year we have partnered with Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow) to aid us in disseminating the AWARE'26 message,
"Love Our Earth".
Submission Closed
"Love Our Earth" Aware '26
Tree of Life Community Art Installation
This year our community project is a Tree of Life which will be constructed in the middle of our main gallery and will contain approximately 500 images created by the community. The appropriately called Tree of Life is about the past, present and future of the globe. The images that will hang depict insects, flora and fauna, mammals, the cosmos, dinosaurs, humanity, aquatic creatures, and birds.
This year we once again invite the community to participate by contributing to the community art installation.
Art Submission is Closed
November: Figure It Out
Figure it Out is a celebration of the human form whether it be realistic, abstracted or inspired by different artistic approaches. All types of art are encouraged to submit.
Submission Deadline: 10/15/26 – Exhibition Dates: 11/6 – 11/29/26 – Main Gallery
November: Solo Exhibition: Carol Anne McErlean
Exhibition Dates: 11/13/26 – 2/14/27 – Jean Rawls Classroom
December: Step Out
Annual Virginia Beach Art Center Exhibition
Step beyond your comfort zone and your usual artistic routine by exploring a new muse or experimenting with a medium you have not used before. Take a leap of faith, gain a fresh perspective, and embrace artistic growth.
This exhibit is open only to artists who participated in any 2026 exhibition held at the Virginia Beach Center or satellite location.
Submission Deadline: 11/12/26 – Exhibition Dates: 12/4 – 12/23/26 – Main Gallery
December: Holiday Boutique Market
The Virginia Beach Art Center will be hosting two weekends of Holiday Boutique Markets. The first weekend will be Black Friday November 27, Small Business Weekend Saturday November 28, and Sunday November 29. The second weekend will be Saturday December 12, and Sunday December 13.
Submission Deadline: Closed
2027 Exhibition Calendar
Art Calls are coming soon!
IMPACT
Impact is the significant effect or influence that something has on something else. We are all significant and have influence in our world. Whether it be big or small, loud or quiet, let’s use our creative gifts to impact each other to think, feel and move in a positive way.
Submission Date: Thursday 12/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 1/8/27 - 1/31/27
Reception: Friday 1/8/27, 6pm - 8pm
A TOUCH OF RED @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
Red is one of the most emotionally intense colors with various meanings around the world. In Western culture, red is associated with love, confidence and danger. In Eastern culture it represents luck, prosperity, purity, happiness and even marital bliss. Wow us with your expressions in RED!
Submission Date: Thursday 12/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 1/14/27 - 4/25/27
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 1/20/27 - 4/7/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
FABULUOS FORGERIES: "WITH A TWIST"
Our most ICONIC exhibit returns with a TWIST! Is it a twist of lime, words, a curve in the road or a surprising plot or a twist in an iconic painting. This year your only assignment is to give your artwork of choice a TWIST.
Submission Date: Thursday 1/14/27 - Exhibition Dates: 2/5/27 - 2/28/27
Reception: Friday 2/5/27, 6pm - 8pm
MICHAEL SCHIMMEL SOLO EXHIBITION
Join us for the solo exhibition of Michael Schimmel in the Jean Rawls classroom.
Exhibition Dates: 2/19/27 - 4/18/27
INSPIRED BY WORDS
Written language and visual art have always been closely connected. Words developed over time from images to abstract sounds and, eventually, to the language we use today. Both words and art communicate meaning, ideas, and emotions. Create a work inspired entirely by words!
Submission Date: Thursday 2/11/27 - Exhibition Dates: 3/5/27 - 3/28/27
Reception: 3/5/27, 6pm - 8pm
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 4/7/27 - 7/14/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
LIFE IN MOTION
The universe is in constant movement. Nothing is still! While we sleep the cells in our bodies are regenerating themselves and dividing creating new ones. The earth is in constant movement going from daylight to night, plants animals, everything around us is constantly moving. So what inspires you to create an artwork that depicts movement.
Submission Date: 3/11/27 - Exhibition Date: 4/2/27 - 5/2/27
Reception: 4/2/27, 6pm - 8pm
BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
Happiness is no further than your backyard where nature is life. Step outside and see with your heart and your eyes and then create. For inspiration exists between earth & sky.
Submission Date: Thursday 3/18/26 - Exhibition Dates: 4/30/27 - 8/15/27
MAKE IT BRIGHT
Light and shadow are the foundational elements of visual art used to create depth, evoke emotion and direct the viewer’s eye. No matter what medium you are using, they play a huge role in how the work is perceived. Have some fun and play with light and shadow, choose a bright color palette or focus on a subject that is full of light!
Submission Date: Thursday 4/8/26 - Exhibition Dates: 5/7/27 - 5/30/27
Reception: 5/7/30, 6pm - 8pm
THE GREAT HEIST II
Abscond with a small treasure from one of our gifted artists but hurry you want to depart secretly and suddenly, before someone else grabs it from your hands. This exhibit will be in the Jean Rawls Classroom.
Submission Date: Thursday 4/15/26 - Exhibition Dates: 5/21/27 - 8/22/27
Reception: 5/21/27, 6pm - 8pm
ABSTRACTION
Abstraction explores ideas, qualities, and concepts that live in the mind rather than in physical form. This creative approach opens endless possibilities—dig deep and show us what your imagination can bring to life!
Submission Date: Thursday 5/13/26 - Exhibition Dates: 6/4/27 - 6/27/27
Reception: 6/4/27, 6pm - 8pm
ITSY BITSY
Our iconic and most beloved small artworks exhibition returns for its annual debut. Artists are challenged to create works no larger than 8” x 8”. We heavily encourage that they be even smaller than the maximum dimension. What wonders can you create? And don’t forget to add the frame dimension, you cannot exceed the 8”x8” in any direction rule.
Submission Date: Thursday 6/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 7/2/27 - 8/1/27
Reception: 7/2/27, 6pm - 8pm
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 7/14/27 - 10/13/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
REFLECTIONS OF BEING
This theme can be interpreted in so many ways. Your own refection in the mirror or the reflection you take in at the end of the day when you think about what you did and spoke. It can be a spiritual driven reflection or the inspiration from reading a book or working in your garden. The possibilities are endless.
Submission Date: Thursday 7/8/27 - Exhibition Dates: 8/6/27 - 8/29/27
Reception: 8/6/27, 6pm - 8pm
GRAY SCALE @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
From the deepest black to the brightest white, shades of gray live in between. Your main ingredients will be contrast and light. Create using only the gray scale!
Submission Date: Thursday 7/22/26 - Exhibition Dates: 8/20/27 - 12/5/27
FINE ART FUNDRAISER
Join us for our annual fine art fundraiser, we are encouraging all artist to donate their art for this incredible event that generates funds for so many of our programs. Selected artworks will be on view in the classroom and on our website.
Submission Date: Thursday 7/22/26 - Exhibition Dates: 8/27/27 - 9/5/27
Reception: 8/27/27, 6pm - 8pm
SHARE YOUR VOICE
There are so many things, good and bad, going on in our world today. We all have matters that we are passionate about and that are near and dear to our hearts. Whether it be your personal feelings on a subject, a national cause or a global mission, let us come together and Share Our Voices!
Submission Date: Thursday 8/12/27 - Exhibition Dates: 9/3/27 - 9/26/27
Reception: 9/3/27, 6pm - 8pm
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Our annual Teachers and students Exhibition will be in the Jean Rawls Classroom at the center. We are looking forward to seeing how the instructors have influenced their students and even vice versa. The theme is open but there are some important guidelines to follow. The submission is open to students that have taken classes at the Virginia Beach Art Center during 2027. You do not have to be currently enrolled but may have taken a class earlier in the year, this also includes students that are or have taken private classes.
Submission Date: Thursday 8/12/27 - Exhibition Dates: 9/10/27 - 11/7/27
Reception: 9/24/27, 6pm - 8pm
AWARE '27 - FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Imagine feeling hungry with no reliable source of food. Millions of people around the world face this reality every day, and hunger also affects people close to home. Today, one in seven Americans struggles with hunger. How can we help meet this basic human need, and who can we turn to for support?
Submission Date: Thursday 9/9/27 - Exhibition Dates: 10/1/27 - 10/31/27
Reception: 10/1/27, 6pm - 8pm
Art Calls are coming soon!
IMPACT
Impact is the significant effect or influence that something has on something else. We are all significant and have influence in our world. Whether it be big or small, loud or quiet, let’s use our creative gifts to impact each other to think, feel and move in a positive way.
Submission Date: Thursday 12/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 1/8/27 - 1/31/27
Reception: Friday 1/8/27, 6pm - 8pm
A TOUCH OF RED @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
Red is one of the most emotionally intense colors with various meanings around the world. In Western culture, red is associated with love, confidence and danger. In Eastern culture it represents luck, prosperity, purity, happiness and even marital bliss. Wow us with your expressions in RED!
Submission Date: Thursday 12/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 1/14/27 - 4/25/27
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 1/20/27 - 4/7/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
FABULUOS FORGERIES: "WITH A TWIST"
Our most ICONIC exhibit returns with a TWIST! Is it a twist of lime, words, a curve in the road or a surprising plot or a twist in an iconic painting. This year your only assignment is to give your artwork of choice a TWIST.
Submission Date: Thursday 1/14/27 - Exhibition Dates: 2/5/27 - 2/28/27
Reception: Friday 2/5/27, 6pm - 8pm
MICHAEL SCHIMMEL SOLO EXHIBITION
Join us for the solo exhibition of Michael Schimmel in the Jean Rawls classroom.
Exhibition Dates: 2/19/27 - 4/18/27
INSPIRED BY WORDS
Written language and visual art have always been closely connected. Words developed over time from images to abstract sounds and, eventually, to the language we use today. Both words and art communicate meaning, ideas, and emotions. Create a work inspired entirely by words!
Submission Date: Thursday 2/11/27 - Exhibition Dates: 3/5/27 - 3/28/27
Reception: 3/5/27, 6pm - 8pm
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 4/7/27 - 7/14/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
LIFE IN MOTION
The universe is in constant movement. Nothing is still! While we sleep the cells in our bodies are regenerating themselves and dividing creating new ones. The earth is in constant movement going from daylight to night, plants animals, everything around us is constantly moving. So what inspires you to create an artwork that depicts movement.
Submission Date: 3/11/27 - Exhibition Date: 4/2/27 - 5/2/27
Reception: 4/2/27, 6pm - 8pm
BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
Happiness is no further than your backyard where nature is life. Step outside and see with your heart and your eyes and then create. For inspiration exists between earth & sky.
Submission Date: Thursday 3/18/26 - Exhibition Dates: 4/30/27 - 8/15/27
MAKE IT BRIGHT
Light and shadow are the foundational elements of visual art used to create depth, evoke emotion and direct the viewer’s eye. No matter what medium you are using, they play a huge role in how the work is perceived. Have some fun and play with light and shadow, choose a bright color palette or focus on a subject that is full of light!
Submission Date: Thursday 4/8/26 - Exhibition Dates: 5/7/27 - 5/30/27
Reception: 5/7/30, 6pm - 8pm
THE GREAT HEIST II
Abscond with a small treasure from one of our gifted artists but hurry you want to depart secretly and suddenly, before someone else grabs it from your hands. This exhibit will be in the Jean Rawls Classroom.
Submission Date: Thursday 4/15/26 - Exhibition Dates: 5/21/27 - 8/22/27
Reception: 5/21/27, 6pm - 8pm
ABSTRACTION
Abstraction explores ideas, qualities, and concepts that live in the mind rather than in physical form. This creative approach opens endless possibilities—dig deep and show us what your imagination can bring to life!
Submission Date: Thursday 5/13/26 - Exhibition Dates: 6/4/27 - 6/27/27
Reception: 6/4/27, 6pm - 8pm
ITSY BITSY
Our iconic and most beloved small artworks exhibition returns for its annual debut. Artists are challenged to create works no larger than 8” x 8”. We heavily encourage that they be even smaller than the maximum dimension. What wonders can you create? And don’t forget to add the frame dimension, you cannot exceed the 8”x8” in any direction rule.
Submission Date: Thursday 6/10/26 - Exhibition Dates: 7/2/27 - 8/1/27
Reception: 7/2/27, 6pm - 8pm
MIDGETT PRETI OLANSEN LAW OFFICE EXHIBIT
Small art exhibit that changes out approximately every 3 months.
Exhibition Date: 7/14/27 - 10/13/27
More information coming on this exhibition soon.
REFLECTIONS OF BEING
This theme can be interpreted in so many ways. Your own refection in the mirror or the reflection you take in at the end of the day when you think about what you did and spoke. It can be a spiritual driven reflection or the inspiration from reading a book or working in your garden. The possibilities are endless.
Submission Date: Thursday 7/8/27 - Exhibition Dates: 8/6/27 - 8/29/27
Reception: 8/6/27, 6pm - 8pm
GRAY SCALE @ TOWNE PAVILION 1
From the deepest black to the brightest white, shades of gray live in between. Your main ingredients will be contrast and light. Create using only the gray scale!
Submission Date: Thursday 7/22/26 - Exhibition Dates: 8/20/27 - 12/5/27
FINE ART FUNDRAISER
Join us for our annual fine art fundraiser, we are encouraging all artist to donate their art for this incredible event that generates funds for so many of our programs. Selected artworks will be on view in the classroom and on our website.
Submission Date: Thursday 7/22/26 - Exhibition Dates: 8/27/27 - 9/5/27
Reception: 8/27/27, 6pm - 8pm
SHARE YOUR VOICE
There are so many things, good and bad, going on in our world today. We all have matters that we are passionate about and that are near and dear to our hearts. Whether it be your personal feelings on a subject, a national cause or a global mission, let us come together and Share Our Voices!
Submission Date: Thursday 8/12/27 - Exhibition Dates: 9/3/27 - 9/26/27
Reception: 9/3/27, 6pm - 8pm
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Our annual Teachers and students Exhibition will be in the Jean Rawls Classroom at the center. We are looking forward to seeing how the instructors have influenced their students and even vice versa. The theme is open but there are some important guidelines to follow. The submission is open to students that have taken classes at the Virginia Beach Art Center during 2027. You do not have to be currently enrolled but may have taken a class earlier in the year, this also includes students that are or have taken private classes.
Submission Date: Thursday 8/12/27 - Exhibition Dates: 9/10/27 - 11/7/27
Reception: 9/24/27, 6pm - 8pm
AWARE '27 - FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Imagine feeling hungry with no reliable source of food. Millions of people around the world face this reality every day, and hunger also affects people close to home. Today, one in seven Americans struggles with hunger. How can we help meet this basic human need, and who can we turn to for support?
Submission Date: Thursday 9/9/27 - Exhibition Dates: 10/1/27 - 10/31/27
Reception: 10/1/27, 6pm - 8pm
If you enjoy our monthly exhibitions, consider making a donation. Your support helps us build community centered around the shared love of the visual arts. If you'd like to make a donation, click the button below. We thank you for your support!
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