CoArt Gallery presents October Featured Artist John Frantz

John Frantz explains, “This exhibition is a collection of my 2-dimensional work from several years ago to the present. The collection is informed by hospital and clinical paraphernalia from my years in medicine and by the container forms from experience as a functional ceramicist. The settings of interiors and landscapes are from home and travels and depict distorted perspectives to form a dream-like environment. All portraits are fictional. I prefer the direct physical touch and pressure of pencil and stick marks to brushwork. My habit is to layer colors and markings in multiple applications with a mix of watercolor, pencil, oil pastel and ink.” Opening Reception is Saturday, October 4 from 4-6 p.m.

Peg O’ My Heart at the Visulite

“Peg O’ My Heart” is an original documentary that captures the spirit of Seed Savers Exchange while paying homage to Peg Davis, an extraordinary woman and farmer who most of you may know from the Staunton Farmer’s Market. Ms. Davis considers the Peg O’ My Heart tomato a living legacy she aims to preserve and pass on to future generations. Eduardo Fernandez, assistant seed historian and Documentarian Bernardo Morillo took a trip to Snow Spring Farm in August 2023 to meet Davis and conduct an oral history interview, recording both audio and video for SSE’s historical records and as source material for a future Heritage Farm Companion article. Peg’s openness and welcoming demeanor enabled the team to capture enough footage to create a complete feature-length documentary that portrays Peg’s story while highlighting the essential role of small-scale, sustainable agriculture in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening communities, and enhancing individual and collective well-being.

Three Notch’d Road Baroque: “Jesu, Joy, Bach Cantatas 131 and 147”

Three Notch’d Road: The Virginia Baroque Ensemble celebrates the opening of its 15th season with cantatas by J.S. Bach. This all-Bach program features two cantatas, along with the organ solo Fantasia in G (BWV 572) and the cheerful instrumental Sinfonia from BWV 29. Cantata 147 is a mature masterwork from Bach’s late Leipzig period and includes the beloved “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” melody and festive virtuoso writing for trumpet. Cantata 131 is a setting of Psalm 130, full of pathos, and possibly the very earliest Bach cantata that we have. Organist and Bach expert Todd Fickley guest directs an ensemble of singers and period instrumentalists that include Steve Marquardt (baroque trumpet) and Gaia Saetermoe-Howard and Sarah Schilling (oboes d’amore and da caccia). Tickets available online and at the door. Discounted season tickets available. Youth/students free.

Mending Circle

Bring an item to repair and we’ll have a circle of skill sharing as we give new life to old garments! Come repair the tears and patch the holes you’ve been meaning to fix with the company of other makers and menders. Needle, thread and patches included! Anyone who wishes can also sign up for a simple sock darning lesson. Includes a 3D-printed darning mushroom to work with and take home! FREE, please RSVP! Darning lesson & mushroom–$5. Cost: FREE Tickets: https://art-hive-109353.square.site/product/mending-circle/1311

Resin Art Workshop

From mastering the basics to learning expert tips & tricks of working with resin, you’ll leave with skills and a unique piece of functional art! There will be a variety of molds and extras to choose from. Space is limited to eight. Demolding and finishing the following evening. Instructor: Tanya Keigley of Fleur de Luna. Cost: $35 Tickets: https://art-hive-109353.square.site/product/resin-workshop/1332

Auditions for ShenanArts The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community See the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Come and be a part of ShenanArts this holiday season. For details and registration go to shenanarts.org/christmas-pageant-auditions/

Comedy Night at Seven Arrows

Tuesday, September 16th from 7 to 9PM it’s Comedy Night at Seven Arrows Join Seven Arrows for Comedy night – 7 comedians, 7 minutes each, starting at 7pm!

15th Annual Virginia Chili Blues & Brews Festival

It’s time for chili, music, and community as the 15th Annual Virginia Chili Blues & Brews Festival returns to Lumos Plaza in Downtown Waynesboro! Presented by the Historic Wayne Theatre. Proceeds from the festival directly support the arts, including arts education programs that enrich our community. The event features: · A Chili Cook-Off featuring bold flavors and unique recipes · Live Blues performances from talented musicians · A wide selection of cold brews and beverages · Food vendors, activities, and entertainment for all ages

Mischief Magic & Murder-Murder Mystery Dinner Theater 2025

Get ready for an evening of suspense, suspicion and intrigue where every twist and turn leads closer to the truth… or does it? Morris Slumpthorn is the renowned professor of arcane studies at Olde Staunton University of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Professor Slumpthorn is on the verge of a major breakthrough. He has invited you and other esteemed guests to his home in Olde Staunton to dine with him as he reveals his latest discovery. But beware, all is not as it seems, and not all wizards should be trusted … {dun dun Dunn} With an all new professional cast, magical menu & new convenient location Mischief Magic & Murder 2025 is back and better than ever!!! Your evening begins with a Potions 1/2 Hour. Following Potions Hour, dinner is served. As you dine, the mystery will unfold before your eyes.

The Treasure Hunt Finale Pirate Party

Ahoy, mateys! Join WQSV and Staunton Downtown Development Association at The Sunspots Pavilion, Saturday 9/13 from noon – 2pm. Bring any costume or flair you’ve got & set sail for fun! games, activities and music by The Hot Mamas with some pirate themed tunes. There’s still time to find the treasure! Get all the details here.