William King Regional Arts Center
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The William King Regional Arts Center is an art gallery and museum in Abingdon, Virginia.[1] William King Regional Arts Center is the only American Association of Museums accredited facility serving far Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Located in an historic 1913 building - a fully renovated former school - the Arts Center features museum-standard galleries showcasing art of the region and of the world. From the region's most compelling contemporary works to its historical decorative arts to art of the world - often that of non-Western cultures - you'll find it here.
Classes in the visual and performing arts are offered year-round for both children and adults, and school programs are available both on-site and directly in the schools through our outreach program.
The Center also features resident artist studios, an outdoor sculpture garden and museum store, and an historic house museum, the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum.
The Arts Center is a Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a member of the American Association of Museums, the Virginia Association of Museums and the Southeastern Museums Conference.
[edit] Exhibitions
An average of 10 exhibitions are mounted each year, showcasing art of the region and of the world. Related programming includes lectures, workshops, receptions and symposia.
[edit] Sculpture Garden
The Center's 20-acre grounds provide the perfect setting for outdoor sculpture works, such as Daniel Millspaugh's Arrows, above, a favorite of our school-age audiences. Weather permitting, view our permanent collection of outdoor sculpture on the museum grounds. Additionally, several pieces are still on view from the Center's most recent outdoor sculpture competition, held biennially, and two other works are here on extended loan.
[edit] Arts Education
Classes in the visual arts are offered year-round for both children and adults, and summer art camps are offered each year for ages 4 and up. From basic instruction in drawing, photography, clay or watercolor to more advanced explorations in a variety of media, Arts Center classes are available for a variety of interests and skill levels. Contact the Education Department for a current schedule.
For school audiences, programs are also available both on-site at the museum and directly in the schools through our outreach program. Contact the Education Department to inquire about bookings.
[edit] Resident Studio Artist Program
The Center's resident studio artist program is open to visual artists working in all media. While taking advantage of large, well-lit studios, resident artists provide opportunities for school and public audiences to observe art in process. Our current resident artist is Sam Morrow (Level Two), well-known as both artist and teacher. Resident artists are a resource for students visiting the Arts Center. Above, Ed Chitwood teaches printmaking to high school students. Right, artist John Sauers, takes art "to students' level," literally!
[edit] The Cultural Heritage Project
The Cultural Heritage Project seeks to document the cultural and artistic legacy of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee from 1780 to 1940, and to foster a full and accurate appreciation of the region's role in American decorative and folk arts. To date, field researchers have identified more than 2,000 objects made by hand in the region, and eight exhibitions have been mounted from that research. Reproductions of selected heritage items can be purchased at the Looking Glass Museum Store or at The Looking Glass online store at [1]. Documentation and research is ongoing. For more information, contact the Arts Center at 276-628-5005 or infoATwkrac.org.
[edit] Tour Information
Group Tours: Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more at no charge, but must be scheduled in advance. Contact the Arts Center at 276-628-5005, ext. 115.
Self-Guided Tours: To assist visitors as they tour the museum, printed exhibition guides are located in or near each gallery. Unless otherwise indicated, these materials are free of charge and we invite you to take them home as a memento of your visit - or to share with others who might also like to see the show!
[edit] Museum Store
The Looking Glass, open during regular Arts Center hours, features a wide variety of art-related merchandise, including many items which would otherwise be unavailable in our area except by museum catalog mail order.
The Looking Glass [2] is open during regular Arts Center hours, offering a variety of art and exhibition-related merchandise. Inventory generally includes museum cards and books, jewelry, stained glass, art posters, and a wide selection of children's gift items. The museum's Heritage Products, a new line of reproduction pieces handcrafted by artisans throughout the region, are also available in the museum store. All proceeds above costs benefit Arts Center programs. Members qualify for store discounts.
[edit] Facility Rental
The Sculpture gardens are available to rent for events such as weddings, receptions and Large family gatherings. For all inquiries please contact event staff at infoATwkrac.org.
[edit] Membership
Memberships are available at a variety of levels, from Starving Artist to William King Society. Membership benefits include Arts Center mailings, invitations to members-only events (including Prevue Receptions for new exhibitions), and discounts on class tuitions and museum store purchases. For more information, or to request a membership brochure, contact the Arts Center at infoATwkrac.org.
[edit] Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities are available in all areas, both at the Arts Center and at the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum. From information desk to museum store, exhibitions to education - our "unpaid staff" assist in all areas. To learn more, or to schedule an orientation tour, contact us at infoATwkrac.org.
[edit] Admission and Parking at the WKRAC
Admission: FREE
[edit] Hours
10-9 Tuesday 10-5 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1-5 Sunday Closed Monday and some holidays
[edit] Parking
Free parking is available on the inner loop of Academy Drive at the back entrance to the Arts Center. Additional parking is available, also free of charge, in a nearby public parking lot which is located within easy walking distance. Look for signs.
[edit] Access
Accessible Entrance: Located at the rear of the building. From the front, turn left into the alley between the Arts Center and the county office building; parking spaces are located behind and beside the Arts Center. An elevator is located midway down the hall on Level One. Wheelchairs are available for use; inquire at the information desk on Level Two. The Arts Center is fully accessible to all patrons, and wheelchairs are available for your use free of charge.
[edit] Location
415 Academy Drive (off West Main Street or Russell Road) in Abingdon, Virginia.
Information Desk: Located at the red desk on Level Two, adjacent to the museum store. Direct questions to the volunteer on duty or to any member of the Arts Center staff.
[edit] Directions
From Interstate 81: Exit 17 to Cummings Street, left onto West Main Street, right onto Academy Drive just past Abingdon Police Station. Highway directional signs mark this route. From Highway 19: Left onto Russell Road, right onto Academy Drive.
