Seeking “The Soul of Langston” Through Art

Next week, we launch a series of multi-generational, interactive workshops at five Norfolk Public Library branches. Through visual art, music, songwriting, percussion, poetry, and dance, our teaching artists will guide participants as they look at the impact and legacy of American poet, playwright, and civil rights activist Langston Hughes.

These arts-based workshops will connect Hughes’ themes of social justice and cultural pride to contemporary issues. Each workshop will build on the previous one, with participants sharing their creative work in final sessions.

Check out more details about the free workshops and register for them HERE.

The workshops are a prelude to a public performance of Daron P. Stewart’s one-man show, Soul of Langston, that will take place at Norfolk’s historic Attucks Theatre on November 13. In its culturally-significant setting, the Attucks is the perfect backdrop to celebrate Hughes’ poetry and legacy.

The Soul of Langston initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Norfolk Arts and Humanities Commission, Virginia African American Cultural Center, Arts Alliance, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Back to School with Arts for Learning Virginia

With school back in session, how does EASY sound when it comes to booking creative arts performances, workshops, or residencies to inspire and engage your students?

We’ll work with you to find just the right programs to meet your educational goals.

Funding is available for many school divisions, making arts education affordable for any budget.

Explore your options by contacting Katie Driskill at (757) 961-3737 or Scheduling@Arts4LearningVA.org.

Summer Highlights

Where to start? It was a summer to remember!

Our artists presented dozens of free public performances and workshops in Virginia... families enjoyed a full day of A Splash of the Arts in Hampton… and we fostered new and renewed connections with other nonprofits.

You can relive memories of “Splash” and download pictures for free HERE!

A Splash of the Arts

As always, it was a pleasure to partner with the Hampton History Museum and Hampton City Schools Visual and Performing Arts to present a packed day of summer arts entertainment.

“This was just outstanding. Informative, well organized, and peacefully beautiful.”

“Splash” survey response from audience member

Don Carey's REECH Foundation STEAM Camp

We saw some big smiles from children who participated in the camp at Norfolk State last month. A4L-VA teaching artist Nfon Asuquo led Mixed Media Interactive workshops, with kids creating hydro-dip chalk art.

The Friends of Foster Care

In a new partnership, we supported TFFC’s “Dorm Days” in Norfolk for teenagers currently in or aging out of foster care. Roberta Lea presented My Vibe, My Voice songwriting workshops, while Nfon Asuquo taught print-making techniques, showing teens how to design their own t-shirts.

A few days later, teens wore their shirts while performing songs they’d written—complete with heartfelt and deeply meaningful lyrics, as Roberta accompanied them on guitar.

A Teaching Artist's Journey

“Whether we met once through a workshop or collaborated over a more extended period through a residency, I hope my students know how grateful I am to have shared that time with them.

I hope they know how much they’ve changed me. I’m different from the person I was before Arts for Learning discovered me years ago.”

--Jackie Adonis, Teaching Artist

Many of you have been touched by Jackie Adonis, whether through her leadership in our IDEAL and RAISE residencies or her workshops celebrating Filipino culture.

Her story is one only she could write—don’t miss reading about how her childhood in Roanoke, difficult times during the pandemic, and an impromptu Common Casting Call audition led to where she is today.

Hear her story directly

→ Click HERE

Cindy Kays (left) and Shelly Potter (right) sharing music and laughter with kids and families for more than three decades.

Shelly Potter has retired, but what a legacy she leaves behind!

After 33 amazing years together, we're saying farewell to one half of our beloved Arts for Learning duo, “Cindy and Shelly.”

For more than three decades, Shelly and partner Cindy Kays have brought joy to countless students through thousands of performances.

As Cindy's husband put it: "You've lasted longer than the Beatles but not quite as long as the Rolling Stones!"

Cindy called Shelly an “amazing songwriter.” “I got a little teary -eyed at our last gig. When I think about it, I still get a little choked up. It’s been a long time.”

Our CEO Anna Green captured it beautifully in a note to Shelly: "Your creativity, dedication, and artistry have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come."

While we hate to say goodbye to Shelly, we're excited to share that Cindy will continue to perform. Stay tuned for updates on her musical adventures with a new partner—the magic of kid-friendly music will continue inspiring young hearts and minds.

The middle photo captures Cindy and Shelly’s final performance together at York County Public Library on August 9th. They were joined by another Arts for Learning favorite, David Messick from Rainbow Puppet Productions. As David shared, "We've been crossing paths and sharing bills since the 90's.”

Thank you, Shelly, for 33 years of bringing music and joy to so many lives. Your songs will keep playing in the hearts of all the children you've touched!

We mourn the loss of Dylan Pritchett, a cherished storyteller and mentor at Arts for Learning Virginia.

His contributions to the arts and education inspired many and will continue to do so.

Dylan's storytelling enriched our community, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

By request of the family, donations may be made in memory of our beloved friend and artist.

To learn more about Dylan’s life and legacy, read his obituary here.

Double congratulations to our team!

Katie Driskill has been promoted to School and Community Relations Manager and Coastal Virginia Wolf Trap Affiliate Manager, and Stephanie Jackson is now our Grants and Development Manager.

Both are dedicated champions of arts-in-education—join us in wishing them the best in their new roles at Arts for Learning Virginia!

Thank You To Our Supporters

We’re able to serve students, families, and educators because of the dedicated support of people who believe the arts are an essential part of a child’s education.

Thank you to our donors. We pledge to use your funds wisely in our mission of inspiring and engaging students in and through the arts.

View our supporters.

Make an online donation.

Learn about individual giving.

Join Our Board of Directors – Make a Lasting Impact Through the Arts

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform education?

Being a member of Arts for Learning Virginia’s Board of Directors is a meaningful way to give back to your community while helping to shape the future of arts-in-education across the Commonwealth.

We’re seeking accomplished, mission-driven individuals who are ready to lend their expertise and enthusiasm to support our work with students and schools.

Learn more about the kind of leaders we’re looking for here, or reach out directly to our CEO, Anna Green, to start a conversation about your potential to serve.

Thank You for Making a Difference!

Thank you to the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission for supporting in-school and community performances, workshops, and 500 art activity kits for Title I students in Virginia Beach Public Schools. This funding helps us expand our impact beyond classrooms, strengthen community connections, and highlight the lasting value of arts-in-education.

Arts for Learning Virginia420 N. Center Dr., Ste 239 Norfolk, VA 23502 US

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Now in its 71st year, Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc., doing business as Arts for Learning, is an independent chapter of Young Audiences, Inc., the nation’s leading arts-in-education nonprofit organization and first organization to be awarded the National Medal of Arts.