Arts News

Dr. Earlynn J. Miller Named 2022 Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award Winner by Forbes Center, Arts Council of the Valley, and JMU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts

Founder of the JMU Dance Program and an avid arts supporter, Earlynn J. Miller (1941–2021) nurtured thousands of artists, students and community arts organizations in the Shenandoah Valley.

Forbes Center Announces 2022–2023 Masterpiece Season

The Forbes Center has announced its 2022–2023 Masterpiece Season.

‘IN/ovation: Student Celebration’ Raises $135,000 for Arts Scholarships

JMU's College of Visual and Performing Arts nearly doubled its scholarship endowment and the number of students it can support thanks to contributions from "In/ovation: Student Celebration."

Duke Hall Gallery awarded prestigious international grant

The Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art has recently been awarded a grant to support the exhibition Both Sides of the River (January 31 - March 18, 2023).

Honoring Dean Sparks through Inquiry and Community

Highlights from the Sparks Research Symposium

Forbes Center Recognizes Community Volunteers this National Volunteer Week; Hosts Upcoming Trainings for New Volunteers

The Forbes Center will recognize its 141 volunteer ushers at "Fiddlin' with Stories" on Apr. 19 ahead of hosting training sessions for new volunteers in May.

Forbes Center Welcomes HCPS and RCPS Fifth Graders for Live Arts Performance

The Forbes Center’s partnership with Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley means 450 students in Harrisonburg, Virginia, get to see a free matinee of “Fiddlin’ with Stories” on Apr. 19.

JMU honors the late Dr. George Sparks in student arts celebration benefiting scholarships

CVPA will host “IN/ovation: Student Arts Celebration” in honor of the late Dr. George Sparks on Saturday, March 26, 6:30–9:30 pm at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Kacey Riel

Junior Kacey Riel is studying the arts at JMU with the help of the late Dean George Sparks and multiple scholarships.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Kaylei Kipper

Junior Kaylei Kipper received a scholarship to pursue her passion for theatre and teaching.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Sabrina Simmons

Junior Sabrina Simmons is studying theatre at JMU with the help of three scholarships.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Meagan Sill

Two CVPA scholarships helped vocal performance major Meagan Sill ('13) become a professional singer and artist.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Jacob Dickey

A CVPA scholarship helped musical theatre alum Jacob Dickey (‘13) go from JMU to Broadway.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Anna Stegmeier

Junior Anna Stegmeier is studying studio art at JMU with the help of three scholarships.

CVPA Scholarship Series: Darien Roby

Sophomore vocal performance major Darien Roby received a scholarship to study music at Madison.

New exhibition explores the legacy of colonialism in Puerto Rico through visual culture

The Museum of the Old Colony: an art installation by Pablo Delano will run Feb. 1-March 26, 2022.

Voice Professor Makes Opera Directorial Debut in 'Don Giovanni' at JMU

Dr. Jamison Walker is making his opera directorial debut in the JMU School of Music’s production of "Don Giovanni," which runs Nov. 12-14 at the Forbes Center.

The Elizabethan Era Meets the ‘80s in JMU Fall Musical Mash-up

Set to the music of The Go-Go’s, Sir Philip Sidney’s “The Arcadia” moves from page to stage in the JMU School of Theatre and Dance’s production of “Head Over Heels,” which runs Nov. 3–7 at the Forbes Center.

"The Grand Illumination" Celebrates Installation of Sculptures on JMU Campus

JMU's CVPA celebrates the sculptures of Michio Ihara and Edwin Baruch in "The Grand Illumination" ceremony on Friday, Oct. 1 from 5-6 pm on the Duke Lawn. Free and open to the public. An art walk will follow.