Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
March 2019
Joy Heyrman
Dear Friends of VCCA,

I am often aware of the many inspired leaders who have built the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts over the years. Thinking ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2021 invites contemplation of the myriad advocates–founders, Fellows, current and former Board and staff members–who have worked with dedication and passion to give artists time and space for the creation stage of their work.  

In February, we learned of the passing of our founding Director, William E. Smart. Services are planned in New York and Virginia . Inspired by a residency at VCCA’s early incarnation on an estate outside Charlottesville, he facilitated the partnership with Sweet Briar College and VCCA’s move to Mt. San Angelo in 1977. He held the position for over twenty years, overseeing the renovation of the Studio Barn, the building of the Langhorne residence, and creating international exchanges from which our Fellows continue to benefit. He was a passionate advocate for writers, visual artists, and composers. We celebrate Bill’s legacy and build upon his vision every day. 

In that spirit, please read through this newsletter to find ways to become personally involved in the legacy of this amazing organization. 

With best wishes,
Joy Peterson Heyrman
Executive Director
VCCA Fellows in 1987
Every Fellow Has a Story to Tell

 From a thought-provoking conversation over lunch to a life-changing approach to your practice, we want to hear your VCCA memories and how the magic of Mt. San Angelo and Moulin à Nef has impacted your career.

As VCCA approaches its 50th anniversary (May 2021), we are seeking to gather a collection of "experience stories" from VCCA Fellows and friends. Our goal is to gather stories that will not only record the history of VCCA but also enlighten and enrich the experience of future Fellows.

We are ready to listen to your story now. A form is available online for you to share your memories today.
ARTIST SERVICES NEWS
The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts is  currently accepting applications from writers, visual artists, and composers for fall residencies.

Need-based financial aid is available and through the generosity of our donors,
VCCA is also able to offer three new fully-funded fellowships. The Sara Pennypacker Fellowship , open this year to child-focused writers, is for a two-week residency and includes $500 for travel and expenses. The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Fellowship is open to visual artists of African-American or Latinx descent and includes a fully-funded three to four-week residency along with a $1,000 honorarium for travel and expenses. The Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds Poetry Fellowship , provides three-week residencies for poets.

In addition, VCCA is again grateful to donors and funding agencies for making available the Goldfarb Family Fellowship for writers of creative nonfiction, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Fellowship for artists from New York, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia, and the Montana Fellowship which provides a one-month residency to a selected writer, visual artist, or composer from Montana.
Deadline for all applications is May 15, 2019 .
MOULIN À NEF
Moulin à Nef is closed for the season, but that doesn't mean it is quiet. Over the break ceiling panels and insulation have been installed in the Maison Vieilhescaze living room to help with climate control and soundproofing.

The next scheduled maintenance project will be to create a floor-to-ceiling wall with upper glass panels in the upstairs center studio in La Cebo. This will make the studio private while allowing natural light to flow into the common space.

The 2019 season at Moulin à Nef begins on April 8, 2019.
GIVING NEWS
VCCA's annual fundraising event will take place Thursday, May 2, 2019 , at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. This year's event will honor longtime Fellows Mary Page Evans, Marilyn Kallet, Sandell Morse, and Joelle Wallach. Hosted by Page and John Corey, the Spring Soir é e will provide significant support for the VCCA fellowship program. Tickets are available online .
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond, Virginia

Join us for an evening of cocktails, cuisine, and conviviality
at VCCA's annual fundraising event

UPCOMING EVENTS
VCCA Volunteer Day

Saturday, March 16, 2019
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
154 San Angelo Drive, Amherst, Virginia

Help VCCA prepare for spring! Lunch will be served and a good time had by all! Contact K.Stiffler to find out more and sign up by Monday, March 11.
AWP Fellows Gathering

Thursday, March 28, 2019
4:30 - 7 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Fellows and friends are welcome to "Take 5" with the VCCA Fellows Council at this year's AWP conference in Portland, Oregon. The first round is on us! For more information contact the VCCA Fellows Council .
VCCA/SBC Salon presents
Instructions on Parting

A Film by VCCA Fellow Amy Jenkins

Thursday, April 4, 2019
7:30 p.m.
1948 Theatre, Fitness and Athletic Center
Sweet Briar College
Free and open to the public
Over the course of one tumultuous year, artist and director Amy Jenkins confronts the cancer diagnoses of her mother, sister, and brother, and also welcomes her first child to life. Crafted in a unique visual style, the film weaves breathtaking vignettes of nature unfolding with cin éma vérité family footage to lead us to a bold and daring acceptance of our own mortality. 
Open Studios

Sunday, April 7, 2019
4 – 6 p.m.
154 San Angelo Drive, Amherst, Virginia
Free and open to the public

Open Studio days are a rare opportunity to look into the studios of writers, visual artists, and composers in residence at VCCA. 

VCCA artists come to Amherst from across the country and around the globe. Talking to them about their work and experiencing the creative process first-hand is interesting and inspiring.
VCCA | 434-946-7236 | vcca@vcca.com | vcca.com
STAY CONNECTED
VCCA is grateful to the following organizations for their continued financial support.
Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band  • J&E Berkley Foundation
 The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation   •  Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation   • The Charles Jacob Foundation
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation   • National Trust for Historic Preservation