Welcome to the LCVA
The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) is Longwood University’s art museum in Farmville, VA. The museum connects the university and the South Central Virginia community through the visual arts. Visitors can experience changing exhibitions, explore a collection of more than 6,500 works of art, and take part in educational programs and community events throughout the year. Admission to the museum and its programs is free for everyone.
The LCVA serves as a physical, intellectual, and cultural bridge between the university and our community at large. Longwood University’s mission “to transform capable men and women into citizen leaders, fully engaged in the world around them” forms the foundation of our mission and values.
The LCVA is the only museum of its kind, scope, and size in the Farmville, Virginia, and Prince Edward County area. Our commitment to improving the quality of life in the region by providing full access to the visual arts is the heart of our mission. We believe there should be no barriers to exploring the visual arts. Admission to the LCVA and its programs is – and always has been – free for everyone.
LCVA Fun Facts
Square-foot museum in downtown historic Farmville, Virginia.
Permanent art exhibitions on view in Longwood University’s administrative and academic buildings.
Works of African, American, Asian, and European art.
Largest annual youth art exhibition in the country. In 2026, it showcased the work of 1,500+ students from 28 schools, representing 11 counties in Virginia.
Mission & Values
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Mission
The LCVA is a collaborative forum for students, faculty of Longwood University, and the people of South Central Virginia to explore visual art and its relevance to everyday life. The LCVA is committed to improving the quality of life in the region by providing full access to the visual arts and to the ways art exemplifies beauty, hope, and the power of human imagination.
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Values
The Centrality of Art to Individual and Community Life
Works of art are essential records of human history and can influence and enrich every aspect of living. Art can inspire people to lead more hopeful, creative, and participatory lives for the greater good of their communities. With these convictions in mind, the LCVA welcomes all visitors and fosters an appreciation of diverse experiences, artistic forms, media and content. The LCVA encourages participation in the creative process regardless of age, training, or ability. Through exhibitions, educational programs, volunteer opportunities and internships, the LCVA encourages creativity, community interaction and engagement with the visual arts.
Artistic Integrity
The LCVA serves as an advocate for artists by insisting on fair, respectful, and professional treatment of artists within our institution as well as in the community at large. As a steward of the art in its collection, the LCVA is committed to preserving the original intent of each artist. The LCVA is dedicated to presenting works that demonstrate artistic vision and craftsmanship.
Professionalism
In its exhibitions and the collection, preservation and care of works of art, the LCVA adheres to professional standards and ethical practices established by the American Alliance of Museums, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Longwood University.
Our Staff
David Whaley
Email: whaleytm@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2206
Emily Grabiec
Email: grabiecea@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2648
Madison Harris
Email: harrismc@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2206
Alex Grabiec
Email: grabiecam@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2638
Mackenzie Lenhart
Email: lenhartme@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2855
Sun English
Email: englishba@longwood.edu
Phone: (434) 395-2840
Advisory Board
The LCVA Advisory Board is a group of volunteers elected to further the LCVA’s mission to explore visual art and its relevance to everyday life. Board members support the LCVA’s belief that works of art are essential records of human history that can influence and enrich everyday life. Through their service to the LCVA and their own day-to-day lives, they help put these ideas into practice.
- Kristin Gee, J.D., President
- Jill Ahmad
- Thomas L. Brumfield, Jr.
- Pam Butler
- Anastasiia Cifers, Ph.D.
- Julie K. Dixon
- Catherine H. Elder
- Shannon Friedman
- Neal Guma
- Harlan Horton, J.D.
- Susan Jamison
- Mindy Osborn (Class of 2006)
- Ray Kleinlein
- Anne-Tyler Paulek (Class of 2016)
- Mary Prevo
- Bernice Beasley Rowe (Class of 1970)
- Patricia Smith
- Lester VanWinkle
- Harriet T. Vincent
- Jennifer Wall
- Kay Woodson
Consulting Members
- Sabrina Brown
- Lonnie Calhoun
- Juanita Giles
- Ray Kass
- Lisa Tharpe
- Francis Thompson
- Cainan Townsend (Class of 2015)
- Joy Utzinger
Ex-Officio
- W. Taylor Reveley, IV, J.D., President, Longwood University
- Lara Smith, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Longwood University
- Wade Edwards, Ph.D., Dean, Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences, Longwood University
- David Whaley, LCVA Executive Director and Chief Curator, Longwood University
- Kelly Nelson, Chair, Department of Art, Longwood University