Take in the Local Arts Scene
Waynesboro and the surrounding area boast a vibrant artistic and cultural scene, with everything from live theater performances, to galleries filled with beautiful works, to street art, and more.
This whole itinerary takes place in Waynesboro's historic downtown. Go ahead and park in one of Waynesboro's multiple free city parking lots and start exploring!
As you make all the stops on your itinerary, you can also enjoy the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail. With 10 works of art within walking distance downtown and nine more just a short drive away, this is the perfect activity to weave in your day. If you enjoy scavenger hunts and street art, you'll love this!
Start by grabbing a sweet treat and a coffee at The French Press. Then head to the Wayne Theatre (also home to the first street art mural, Poochie) which has a long, rich history of drawing the arts to the Valley since opening in 1926 as a vaudeville house. In recent years, the Wayne has brought more than 300 high-quality performances and events to the community annually. Known best, perhaps, for its musical theatre productions, the Wayne also hosts other forms of performing art, a classic cinema series, science and history lectures, and curated art shows in its exhibit hall.
Right around the corner, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center has been providing exhibit and studio space to local artists since 1986. Each year, the SVAC hosts four to six community exhibits, nine members’ exhibits, and ten main exhibits, including the coveted 40UNDER40 show. Aside from the two galleries, visitors can view artists at work in their studios upstairs and shop for handcrafted trinkets in the gift shop.
Walk down the street to the P. Buckley Moss Gallery which celebrates the work of Waynesboro artist P. Buckley Moss, known for her “Valley style” watercolors. Moss’s work is largely inspired by the Shenandoah Valley’s people and scenery, especially the traditions of the Amish and Mennonites.
If all of this browsing has your creative juices flowing, schedule a private class for you and some friends at Make Waynesboro Clay Studio to learn the art of throwing clay and take home a special piece that you created!
Are you ready to eat yet?? Head right down to East Main Street and dine at Foundry Basic Kitchen. Located in the Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace, play some old fashioned arcade games or check out a show at the Foundry or Basic City Beer Co. after dinner.
