Arts for Learning Virginia

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Stephen Christoff’s “Colonial American Music” program, which is part of the Z Family Series at the Zeiders American Dream Theater! Through music, storytelling, and historical context, the performance invited audiences to experience an important chapter of American history in a new way.

A special shoutout to Nalani, a talented local middle school student, for creating this wonderful portrait of Stephen. We love seeing young artists respond creatively to the performances and experiences shared through Arts for Learning Virginia!

Looking for something a little different to do this Saturday in Virginia Beach? 🎶

Check out Colonial American Music with Young Audiences / Arts for Learning Virginia’s Stephen Christoff. It sounds like a fun mix of history, music, and hands-on arts learning—with toe-tapping, singing, a jaw harp, and even a musical saw! 🎵

And it’s FREE + family-friendly. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend part of your Saturday, come join us! We’d love to see you there.

📅 Saturday, September 26
🕚 Shows at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM
📍 The Zeiders American Dream Theater
🎟️ Register: https://thez.org/event/colonial-american-music/

A Z Ticket Bank FREE Family Time performance provided by Arts for Learning. Funding for this performance comes from Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, Arts Alliance, Helen G. Gifford Foundation, PRA Group, TowneBank Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts.

Arts for Learning Virginia was proud to share Arts Where Families Gather with the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations at Bow Creek Recreation Center! Aisha Noel, Artist Services and Partnerships Manager, introduced civic-league leaders to this community-centered initiative—connecting families with meaningful arts experiences where they already come together.

Providing support was Philanthropy & Grants Manager Christy Hunt and School & Community Program Coordinator Jackie Adonis.

We're hiring a Scheduling Assistant! Help connect artists, schools, and communities across Virginia while supporting meaningful arts education programs. Hybrid schedule, great benefits, and a creative, mission-driven team. Think you'd be a great fit? Check out the position and apply via the link in bio!

Happy Birthday to Stephanie Jackson, our Chief Operations Officer! 🎉

Stephanie’s leadership, care, and dedication help Arts for Learning Virginia bring meaningful arts education experiences to students and communities across the Commonwealth. We’re so grateful for all she does to support our team, teaching artists, and partners.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, Stephanie! ✨

It's National Arts in Education Week! Join the NEA on September 17 (3:00-4:15 PM ET) for a Community Conversation that will help shape a National Arts Agenda. Expect real data, practical tools, and inspiring ideas from communities nationwide. Your voice matters. Let's build the future of arts education together.

🎨🎵 National Arts in Education Week starts now (September 13–19).

All week, we’re making the case that every student, in every community, deserves access to a quality arts education — and this year, we need your voice more than ever.

Here’s one way to jump in: on September 17, 3:00–4:15 PM ET, join our first in a series of Community Conversations. It’s a chance to help shape a National Arts Agenda — grounded in what’s actually happening in communities across the country. We'll share real data, actionable tools, and a collective vision for the future.

👉 RSVP now: https://bit.ly/4x5mi65

Let’s make this week count.

🎉 Celebrating Leadership at Arts for Learning Virginia! 🎉

We are proud to congratulate our CEO, Anna Green, on being selected to participate in the inaugural Nonprofit CEO Bootcamp with the CIVIC Leadership Institute!

This exciting opportunity reflects Anna’s continued commitment to strengthening her leadership and advancing the impact of Arts for Learning Virginia. Through her dedication to learning, collaboration, and visionary leadership, Anna continues to help position our organization for growth while expanding the ways we inspire and engage students through the arts.

We are especially grateful to the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission for their support of Arts for Learning Virginia and their investment in organizational development. Their support helps create opportunities for our organization and leadership to grow stronger and increase our impact in the communities we serve.

Congratulations, Anna! We are incredibly proud of you and excited to see how this experience will further strengthen the future of Arts for Learning Virginia.

IDEAL Viewpoint is officially underway! In partnership with Ruffner Academy, Cradock Middle School, and Larkspur Middle School, this inspiring residency blends photography, workforce readiness, identity, storytelling, and community connection.

At the September 10 Town Hall Meet & Greet, Teaching Artists Mitch Mitchell, Nfon Asuquo, James Cooper—met with Arts for Learning Virginia staff, school division leaders, and residency stewards at the Chrysler Museum of Art.

The group previewed the Margaret Shepherd Ray Family and Student Gallery, where student artwork will be on display throughout February 2027, and found creative inspiration in Ilse Bing: Between Paris and New York as they begin shaping the curriculum.

We can’t wait to see students’ stories come to life through school celebrations, a public exhibition, and gallery talks! 📸