The Isle of Wight Arts League
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About the Isle of Wight Arts League
The Collage, a commercial art gallery, first opened to the public June 15, 1991 and within a few years, the operation of
renamed Smithfield Cultural Arts Center was assumed by the Isle of Wight Arts League, a non-profit organization dedicated
to the development and recognition of the arts as an important, multi-cultural contributor to the well being and growth of
the community.
The Center for many years was situated in a Victorian, turn-of-the-20th century house within the Smithfield Historic
District. In early 2009, it moved to a renovated hardware store in the Historic District where it shares space with the
Smithfield / Isle of Wight Visitor Center and was renamed The Arts Center @ 319. The relocation was part of a broader
cultural tourism initiative launched jointly by the Arts League and the Smithfield & Isle of Wight Convention & Visitors
Bureau to reposition Smithfield as an arts destination. The Virginia Downtown Development Association recognized the
effort with its 2009 Award of Excellence for Organizational Development.
The Isle of Wight Arts League has historically been active in arts education through rotating art exhibits in the Arts Center's
galleries and through adult and youth classes in its dedicated arts classroom. Access to working artist studios brings direct
exposure to the arts to visitors and students.
In March 2005, the Isle of Wight Arts League joined The Smithfield Times as co-sponsors for the Summer Concert Series.
The Series, hosted for 24 seasons by John and Anne Edwards, owners and publishers of the Smithfield Times, offers free
concerts for the community on Friday evenings from May through August on the Times lawn in the Historic District.
In 2005, the Isle of Wight Arts League also entered into a partnership with Smithfield Music, a venture created by Jim and
Elaine Abicht, to present performances by top tier professional musicians in a family-friendly venue, the Smithfield Little
Theater. Net proceeds from Smithfield Music events are be donated to the school music programs in Isle of Wight County.
In 2010, Sundays at Four, a performing arts series featuring chamber musicians and vocalists, joined the Arts League as a
sponsored program. Sundays at Four presents three to four performance seasons which conclude in August with Terrific
Teen Talent, a showcase of award-winning and recognized young musicians.
The Isle of Wight Arts League Board of Directors
Directors are elected by our members for three year terms at the Annual Meeting held in January. The newly formed
Board then appoints its officers.
Would you like an opportunity to contribute to the Isle of Wight community as a leader of the Arts League? Contact any
current member of the Board of Directors, or simply click here.
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Rick Bodson, Vice President
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Rhonda Carlson, Secretary
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Aaron Hill
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Dru Stowe
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The Isle of Wight Arts League is supported by its generous members. We also extend our gratitude for funding support to ...
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Isle of Wight Arts League programs are co-sponsored by or presented in partnership with ...
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The Team @ 319
Arts Center docents who greet guests. Foodies who celebrate SmARTs with a donation of a favorite hors d'oeuvre.
Newsletter writers and editors. Event organizers and recruiters. Folks with community spirit who step up to enrich the
cultural quality of life in our community. Meet our volunteer Team @ 319. .
Kathy Beem
Jan Buchanan
Rhonda Carlson
Linda Griffin
Brenda Joyner
Jessica Robertson Nonnie Robertson Kate Vial Jodie White Anita Wyrick
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Want to get in on the action and spirit of the Team @ 319? Contact Arts Center Director Sheila Gwaltney at 357-7707 or contact us.
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Governance
The Isle of Wight Arts League is a non-profit organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Its organization and operation are defined in By-laws ratified by its Board of Directors; a copy is available here.