Creating Community Through The Arts | Learn more (original) (raw)
- Home
- About
- Programs
- Grants
* Grants for Artists
* Grants for Educators
* Grant Recipients - First Fridays of the Valley
* About First Fridays of the Valley
* Meet the Venues - Public Art
* Public Art in Our Community
* Spraygrounds Public Art Project - Smith House Galleries
* About Smith House Galleries
* Current Exhibition
* Exhibition Schedule
* Exhibition History
* Exhibition Proposals
- Grants
- Get Involved
- Contact
- Make A Donation
- Menu Menu
Arts Council of the Valley is a nonprofit committed to cultivating the arts, creating experiences, and connecting communities in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Open
Apply for an Advancing the Arts grant to help bring your creative dreams to life! Awards range from 500to500 to 500to1,500 for Arts for Education or Creative Inspiration projects benefiting the Harrisonburg-Rockingham community. Artists and art educators are eligible to apply; Fall 2026 application deadline is 5 pm Oct 11, 2026.
Painting Resumes
at Unity Mural
Arts Council of the Valley is working with artist David Draime to create a large-scale international mural at 34 S Main St in downtown Harrisonburg! The Unity in Diversity mural – coming to life through local painters implementing designs from passionate artists living thousands of miles away – is growing again after a winter break. Stop by to check out the progress and learn how you can show support!
July Exhibitions
at Smith House Galleries
Two exhibitions are in the spotlight at Smith House Galleries July 3-31, 2026: Margins of Her Own by Feixue Mei and Artful Escapades by Mary Rouse. Check out these amazing paintings, prints, and zines – and meet the artists – during Second Saturday, July 11, from 10 am to 2 pm!
Grants Advance the Arts
For Educators
Want to engage the power of art to enrich learning for your students? Arts for Education grants ($500-$1,500) are awarded to educators and educational organizations for innovative arts projects in classroom or lifelong learning settings.
For Local Artists
Explore the Arts
Smith House
Galleries
The historic Smith House is now home to galleries featuring works by emerging and established artists, with new exhibitions opening the First Friday of the month. Come by for a visual arts feast weekdays between 11 am and 4 pm; and each Second Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm.
First Fridays
of the Valley
Visual and performing arts take center stage the First Friday of every month. Create your own artwalk to see – and hear – what’s new at more than 30 participating venues.
Public Art
Check out the ever-growing number of murals and sculptures in Harrisonburg, inviting you to incorporate the richness of visual art in your daily or travel routine.
Donate
Today!
Arts Council of the Valley is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the arts, creating experiences, and connecting communities throughout the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
The continued success of our programs – Advancing the Arts Grants, First Fridays of the Valley, Public Art, and Smith House Galleries – depends on private support from people like you, who understand the power of the arts to transform lives.
Your tax-deductible donation – of any amount at any time – makes a tangible difference, and is greatly appreciated. Gifts by check are also welcome. Make the check payable to Arts Council of the Valley and mail to Arts Council of the Valley, 311 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Artist
Memberships
Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) Artist Memberships ($50/year) provide community artists with online recognition and an annual opportunity to showcase their work. Benefits include a full-page on ACV’s new website; listing in the ACV database of visual and performing artists; 10% discount on custom framing and/or supplies at Frame Factory & Gallery; and invitation to showcase in ACV’s annual Artist Member Exhibition; and a subscription to ACV’s monthly e-newsletter, which shares calls-for-entries, grant opportunities, and other artist resources.
Get in
Touch!
The arts are all about expression. We encourage you to share ideas, ask questions, and leave constructive comments. We’d love to hear from you!
"*" indicates required fields
Arts Council of the Valley is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts, Rockingham County, and the City of Harrisonburg.