You may be asking yourself, what is this blog to be? It will act, on behalf of the museum, as a link between Longwood and the community. The blog will continue to highlight, not only its impressive collection of art work, but the cultural richness and diversity of Farmville and the Southside region. We welcome all thoughts and comments on the kind of social forum or “platform” this should be. We want this blog to be an inclusive and vibrant voice for the museum and the town. LCVA continues to be an important place for conversation and we hope that this online space will help expand those discussions! Welcome to the LCVA and its latest addition – the LCVA blog!

My name is Stephen Marion and I was a mere 12-years-old when the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, fondly known as the LCVA, opened on Main Street in 1993. I am so lucky to be the Assistant Educator for the museum and will be writing a variety of posts. The blog will also have guest authors, interviews, and a slew of wonderful activities. A Farmville native, I spent eighteen years growing up in the beautiful town, eighteen years away, and have returned to find Farmville just as magical as it was in my youth. Some of my favorite memories are of visiting the museum with my friends.

Prior to 1993, the museum had been displaying art on campus with the collection beautifully adorning the interior of the buildings.  The museum opened in the heart of the “Heart of Virginia” to become an important bridge between Longwood and the community. LCVA not only supports the students, but artists from around the community, the nation, and the world.

LCVA, which is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, has hosted a vast variety of exhibitions since the early ‘90s. It stands at the corner of Main and Third Streets and is a cultural anchor of downtown Farmville. The museum not only houses continually revolving exhibitions, but also a robust outreach and education department that works with the curatorial and collection departments to provide a variety of workshops and other opportunities throughout the year. Due to the current pandemic, the workshops have evolved to offer Art-on-the-Go packets that are free for everyone. The staff is looking forward to a time when we can all celebrate art side-by-side again. Our exhibitions are open and are offering an amazing respite for reflection during these trying times.

It is quite impressive that we have such a rich cultural resource in a town of approximately 8,000 people.  The museum is a beacon of artistic light in the sometimes confusing and divided world in which we live.  Guests at the LCVA are invited to explore the art throughout the galleries and spend time meditating on diverse artistic mediums. Just last year, the museum organized and presented Rural Avant-Garde: The Mountain Lake Experience. Residents in the rural area of Southside, Virginia, were able to see art by such luminaries as John Cage, Sally Mann, and Merce Cunningham. What a wonderful experience for such a small community!

The LCVA is not only a museum, but also a vibrant community space. It welcomes all locals and visitors to participate in the beauty of art and the importance of creative endeavors. From the exhibitions, to children’s workshops, to Art After Dark, to Wine and Brew, the LCVA is committed to opening its doors to exploration. It does not judge, nor discriminate, it is a space for all to inhabit.  We hope that this blog will do the same!