CVPA nominated in Best of the Valley

James Madison University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts has been nominated in two categories in the Daily News-Record’s 2023 Best of the Valley Readers’ Choice Awards. JMU School of Art, Design and Art History’s (SADAH) Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art and ArtWorks Gallery, both made it to the top five nominations for Best Fine Artist. Forbes Center for the Performing Arts was nominated for Best Stage Theatre. Additionally, JMU was nominated for Best College/University (Regional) and the JMU Young Children’s program was nominated for Best Tutoring Service.

“The Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art offers world-class contemporary art exhibitions which are easily accessible to students, faculty, and the greater Harrisonburg community. The gallery's educational mission elevates the historical understanding of art and fosters new experimental and theoretical directions in art. It is a space where all in the Shenandoah Valley can come together to experience art and engage in programs such as exhibition tours and film screenings. I love the flexibility that the gallery offers. We tailor exhibitions to connect with classes as well as different programs across campus” said Beth Hinderliter, director of Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art and associate professor of Art History at SADAH.

Duke Hall Gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public. They also invite groups to visit to view current exhibitions. Just a few blocks down the street is ArtWorks Gallery, JMU’s student-run gallery that exhibits work by undergraduate and graduate students during the academic year.

“ArtWorks Gallery is a student-run space that offers unique and independent educational opportunities at James Madison University which exists at few other universities. Students plan, curate and install exhibitions while also creating accompanying educational events. Many students have reported that the hands-on opportunities at ArtWorks are inspirational moments that allow them to determine if a future gallery or museum career is a good fit for them,” said Hinderliter.

The gallery provides students the opportunity to gain experience running a gallery, showing work in a professional setting, and networking within the Harrisonburg arts community.

Beyond the many galleries within SADAH, students, faculty and the public are welcome to enjoy world-class performances at the Forbes Center. The Forbes Center is home to JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance and also provides performance venues and support spaces for the School of Music and showcases work from SADAH.

In only a few short weeks, the Forbes Center will announce its 2023-2024 Masterpiece Season lineup where people are invited to hear and see performances by critically acclaimed guest artists and JMU’s award-winning faculty members, students, and alumni.

“The Forbes Center is honored to be nominated in the Best Stage Theatre category. Our mission is to bring world-class theatre, dance, and music entertainment to the valley for audiences of all ages. Our 2023-2024 season is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome our community back for a season brimming with excitement, said Regan Byrne, executive director of the Forbes Center.

Tickets for the upcoming Masterpiece Season will go on sale Thursday, July 6. Voting for Best of the Valley is open through Thursday, May 18 at the DNR's website.