Williamsburg Area Arts Commission

AGENDA City of Williamsburg Williamsburg Area Arts Commission Wednesday, March 18, 2026 A meeting of the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in the Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 commencing at 3:00 PM. Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION REQUEST a. Consideration and Approval of Remote Participation Request from WAAC 2 Member Melody Matheny IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 21, 2026 3 V. CHAIR REPORT a. Report & Recommendation to City Council 4 - 11 b. 2026 Forum c. Considerations for Liaison Assignments 12 d. Nominating Committee for FY27 Officers e. Joint WAAC/YC Meeting - Planning & Committee VI. STAFF REPORT a. "Swing By" - A Musical Swings Event b. Number Report - Planning & Volunteers VII. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. FY26 Forum Subcommittee 13 - 21 VIII. LIAISON REPORTS a. WAAC Liaison Reports - March 2026 22 - 25 IX. ADJOURN Page 1 of 25 Meeting Date: 3/18/26 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Division Manager Agenda Item Wording: Consideration and Approval of a Remote Participation Request from WAAC Member Melody Matheny Background Information: Pursuant to the code of Virginia Section 2.2-3708, City Ordinance #24-08, and WAAC Resolution #25-01, Williamsburg Area Arts Commissioner Melody Matheny has requested to participate in the March 18, 2026, WAAC meeting remotely. WAAC must approve this request by majority vote prior to Ms. Matheny joining the meeting. Previous Action: - WAAC approved its FY26 Electronic Participation Policy at its July 23, 2025. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the WAAC approve the remote participation request from WAAC Member Melody Matheny Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission approve the remote participation request from Melody Matheny for the March 18, 2026, WAAC meeting pursuant to the code of Virginia Section 2.2-3708, City Ordinance #24-08, and WAAC Resolution #25-01. Page 2 of 25  Williamsburg Area Arts Commission Meeting Minutes - Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Call to Order: Chair Tom Phelps called the meeting to order at 9:07 AM. Attending: Tom Phelps, Susan Corbett, Robert Leek, Melody Matheny, Robin Phillips, Sherri Phillips, Barbara Vollmer, Nick Vrettos, and City of Williamsburg Tourism Division Manager Joanna Skrabala. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the WAAC meeting of November 12th, 2025, were approved as submitted. Chair Report: Tom Phelps • Liaison photos for the 2026 Forum: Liaisons are asked to provide headshot photos to Melody Matheny ASAP for incorporation into our Forum posters. • Thanks to the Liaisons for obtaining photos of some of their grantees’ programs for the purpose of illustrating the Chair’s reports to the City and for the Community Leadership Service presentation. • The Chair’s annual presentation to the Williamsburg City Council is scheduled for February 9th, 2026. Staff Report: Joanna Skrabala • James City County: Staff has applied for their half of the WAAC Commission’s funds. • Virginia Commission for the Arts: Staff is due to file the final report for this FY and will then apply for next fiscal year’s funding. • Opportunity: Inaugural Poet Laureate of Williamsburg, Lacroy Nixon, is hosting a poetry grand slam on February 7th, 2026, at 7 PM, at the Hennage Auditorium. Committee Reports: • FY26 Forum Committee members Robin Phillips and Melody Matheny reported on progress in planning the Forum for February 5, 2026. The run of the event was discussed, and Commissioners volunteered for specific roles, i.e., setting up rooms and running the registration table. Next steps: once registration closes, attendee group assignments and table rotations can be planned. WAAC will be able to set up one of the classrooms the day prior to the event. Other Business: • Commissioners conducted the FY27 Funding Requests Review and Discussion. A unanimous vote determined recommended funding levels for applicants in FY27. Next meetings: • February 5th, 2026: Annual Forum, “Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop” • March 18th, 2026: Regular WAAC meeting Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 1:41 PM. Robin Phillips, Secretary, Williamsburg Area Arts Commission Page 3 of 25  3/12/2026 FY27 Funding Recommendations Williamsburg City Council February 12, 2026 THOMAS PHELPS, CHAIR 1 An Occasion for the Arts 2 1 Page 4 of 25  3/12/2026 Virginia Arts Festival - Williamsburg Live 3 Tidewater Classical Guitar Open Door Concerts 4 2 Page 5 of 25  3/12/2026 iDance: Modern & Jazz 5 Young Audiences/ Arts for Learning Virginia Regional Ballet 6 3 Page 6 of 25  3/12/2026 Williamsburg Players: Summer Camp Production 7 Opera in Williamsburg 8 4 Page 7 of 25  3/12/2026 Virginia Opera in Schools 9 Muscarelle Museum of Art Jamestown -Yorktown Foundation 10 5 Page 8 of 25  3/12/2026 Williamsburg Youth Orchestra 11 Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra 12 6 Page 9 of 25  3/12/2026 FY26 FY27 FY27 YOY ORGANIZATIO AWARD REQUEST REC CHANGE N FY27 Funding Recommendations 13 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 # of Applications Received 34 32 32 36 Total Amount Requested $230,000 $285,000 $235,850 $251,760 Total Recommendation $159,000 $159,000 $159,000 $159,000 % of Support 69% 56% 67% 63% 14 7 Page 10 of 25  3/12/2026 15 Thank you. 16 8 Page 11 of 25  LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Susan Corbett Thomas Phelps (Chair) • Access Virginia • Opera Williamsburg • Institute for Dance • Virginia Opera • Stage Lights • Virginia Symphony Orchestra Bob Leek Barbara Vollmer (Secretary) • Virginia Arts Festival • Muscarelle Museum • Virginia Stage • Virginia Regional Ballet • Williamsburg Book Festival • Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra • Williamsburg Youth Orchestra Brandon Gist Nick Vrettos • Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation • Williamsburg Players • Chesapeake Wind Ensemble • Williamsburg Women’s Chorus • WHRO • Williamsburg Youth Harp Society Melody Matheny • Arc of Greater Williamsburg (FY26) • Open Door Concerts • Tidewater Arts Outreach • Tidewater Classical Guitar Robin Phillips (Vice Chair) • Aura CuriAtlas • Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg • Young Audiences of VA • An Occasion for the Arts (FY26) Sherri Phillips • Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center • Flute Frenzy • Williamsburg Choral Guild • Peninsula Concert Band (FY26) Updated March 19, 2025 Page 12 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) ROUND 1: How can we elevate or create better opportunities for young people to become engaged in the arts? Room 1, Table 1 ▪ Don’t rely strictly on schools. ▪ Creating safe spaces. ▪ Having spaces in planned events such as Occasion for the Arts, and have tents or spaces where children and youth have access to arts and activities. ▪ Finding the disconnect in schools (where is the information being dropped and at what level) in sharing information on arts activities and opportunities? ▪ Possibly working with family and community engagement teams ▪ Spread wide net and multiple avenues sharing info ▪ Peach Jar ▪ Using multiple platforms to engage with audiences: social media, flyers, media, emails – casting a wide net. ▪ Reaching out to self-selected groups (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other focused groups), and smaller audiences. ▪ Capitalizing on the new Rec Center. Room 1, Table 2 ▪ Age: college and younger. ▪ Goals: o New perspectives o Social change o Foster curiosity o Cultural growth o Build confidence o Build new opportunities ▪ Issues: lack of venues ▪ What programs do exist? ▪ Connect organizations and network to create new partnerships ▪ Which youth are underserved? ▪ What are the marketing mechanisms? ▪ Teach and expose at schools: o Stories o Chance for recognition o Showcase work o Rewarding o Insight into process o Build marketplaces o Contests o Interact with community Recommendations: ▪ Art hub for community o Expand grant funding o Centralized calendar o Have organizations create stronger o *Better communication between messaging and connections to boost organizations (online forum?) initiatives Room 1, Table 4 ▪ More exposure opportunities in community centers, libraries, etc. ▪ From Administration and below to get into schools. ▪ More young audience opportunities. ▪ Getting the correct contacts, as it varies (year to year). -1- Page 13 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) ▪ Peach Jar: offer a more streamlined process of contacts to access opportunities. ▪ Streamline the forms, process to contact schools to engage students. ▪ Create opportunities for OTJ training via grants. o Careers in the arts o Apprenticeships ▪ Needs to be a “museum-track” to offer the arts. ▪ Finding partners to list community programs. ▪ Create a “resource list” that offers more symphonic opportunities. ▪ Offer more grants to fund “free” opportunities in schools for youth. Room 2, Table 1 ▪ Young engagement o Student writing contest – prizes – 45 – o Engage with school systems and Book Festival; Book room – younger better way to reach. Rotary – liaison set with young – engagement one-to-one contact ▪ Arts Festival – Masterclass with artist on TikTok – sold out – Larfer (artist) [sp?] ▪ Educate yourself to what is popular with youth ▪ Extra space to accommodate multiple age groups. Expand outreach to multiple populations. ▪ Instagram / TikTok – social media – QR codes ▪ Survey and responses ▪ How to get parents involved ▪ Underserved communities: Bring to event – van or bus - WATA? Organize trip to events ▪ Book festival ▪ Rotary ▪ Arts Festival Room 2, Table 2 ▪ Performing arts o Reduced or free tickets for children o Performances in public schools o Opening sensory-friendly (especially for kids who may not be opportunities for more children able to access on weekends) – maybe o Earlier hours or during the day involving PTAs? o Stage performance opportunities ▪ Arts o More hands-on activities that younger o Engaging rather than a walk-through children can touch experience ▪ Marketing / Communication o Promoting things on more short notice (i.e., “what’s going on today?”) vs. long-term-only advertising (i.e., in a yearly newsletter). ▪ Internships / opportunities for students o Middle – college o Giving young students ability to engage / o Partner with arts departments of colleges run low-risk portions of events / festivals o Hiring high school / college to work o Mentorships for younger interested teens, events to expose / teach etc. o Pathways into the arts. ▪ Passport? -2- Page 14 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) o Maybe a passport including options o Idea for engaging adult responsible for shows / art, etc. ▪ *Overarching theme of accessibility for all families. Room 2, Table 3 ▪ Opera: o Invite students to dress rehearsals o Field trips, work with PTA o Performers speak at schools (free) o Backstage visit for elementary grades o Include homeschool networks ▪ Flute Frenzy: o Youth program: MS and HS and o Jan-May, free classes weekly. Could Elementary band directors help join with WYO and Fife and Drum school access private students o More fun music – Fun with Flutes – sing along concert / pop ▪ CBWE: o HS players, side by side with WYO o Clinic and workshops ▪ Advertising Ideas: o Next Door Neighbor ▪ Wmsbg events ▪ Are there prior WAAC notes / resources on how to reach schools? ▪ Invite audiences to see instruments up close ▪ “Guest” conductor – kids Room 2, Table 4 ▪ Opera Williamsburg o Singers into schools o Ticket pricing is challenge for o Schools to dress rehearsals students o People from college o Bringing in non-singing actors ▪ Tidewater o Masterclasses in schools o Volunteer o Concert o *Challenge: to reach and engage o Local student on beginning of show younger audiences (other genres) ▪ Williamsburg Youth Orchestra o Facebook for parents o Charter event – Ford’s Colony o Instagram for youth o Williamsburg Regional Library o Get requests to perform around town o ARC of Greater Williamsburg o Small honorarium ▪ Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra o 4th and 5th graders concert o Competitions for local musicians o Masterclasses and in-school o Youth playing in lobby before performances performances o Side by side with Williamsburg Youth o Peter and the Wolf – every 5 years. Orchestra ▪ Things to help: o Social media o Ad swap (exchange) o Fee structure for family -1- Page 15 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) ROUND 2: What are some ways that we can build collaborative relationships and effective partnerships? What are some examples of effective partnerships that you’ve experienced or seen? Room 1, Table 1 ▪ Partnership programming supporting mission o Financial support o Promotion – letting your voice be o Grants and sponsors heard o Angel funds / banks ▪ Elevating existing programs and museums, festivals o Co-collaboration – partnership o Shared database if there is access within a structure to create mutual support for programs ▪ Flexibility – organization opens their door and platforms ▪ Entertainment comedy performance programming with performance arts organizations ▪ Networking, resource sharing Room 1, Table 2 ▪ Best Models: o The ARC and Arts for Learning o Ferguson Center and Williamsburg o Soundscapes and Youth Volunteer Symphony Corps – Hampton Roads o The Artist Garden Grand Slam o Grant sources and programs ▪ Needs: o Easier path into the schools o Exposure to possible avenues that (transportation is a big issue) make sense o Finding the balance to focus on o Build intersections for listings and partnerships collaboration o More opportunities to connect ▪ Hindrances: o Publicity and public relations o Solve Audiences that are depleted o Disorganization from other o Community attrition organizations / hosts ▪ Recommendations: o Centralized calendars (RSS feed) o Online servers (Discord) Room 1, Table 3 [not used] Room 1, Table 4 ▪ Ensuring all organization can collaborate like trading ads or larger orgs supporting smaller orgs ad promoting each other – business to business relationships ▪ Connecting at events at and throughout the community and continually building relationships ▪ Engagement ▪ Shared calendars to not overlap and compete on events but also to lift each other’s events ▪ Letting audience know about shared calendars ▪ Share and follow and like each other’s events -1- Page 16 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) Room 2, Table 1 ▪ Advertisement exchange with other groups ▪ Share resources (props, costumes, etc.) with other performing arts organizations ▪ Work with venues in community for fundraising, exhibits etc. ▪ Empty retail spaces – use for arts, theater, or torpedo-factory-like spaces (need for funding support) ▪ Think outside the box for target audience, who can benefit from performances ▪ Grants for strategic planning ▪ Collaboration with other theaters / organizations from other areas. Broaden base to have win / win relationships. Mutual benefit for exposure. ▪ Eliminate barriers in distance / travel ▪ Establish partnerships within Williamsburg existing community / groups / artists. Art Connect Virginia – outreach to retirement communities. ▪ WAG art exhibits at Williamsburg Players theater (effective partnership); also at Williamsburg Winery Room 2, Table 2 ▪ Encourage more “mural space” in businesses, dedicated to the arts ▪ Wmsbg Symphony and Youth Orchestra ▪ Va. Symphony Orchestra: always looking for partners ▪ Chesapeake Wind Ensemble ▪ Working together – works ▪ Art shows via youth ensemble net 30% of proceeds ▪ Opera in Williamsburg > Restaurant Night ▪ More performing arts in neighborhoods ▪ Newtown Art Gallery with youth dancers ▪ Network with Arts Commission ▪ Brewery collaboration “Beer, People, Purpose” in Williamsburg community ▪ Restaurant Week: partner for sponsorships ▪ Co-op events i.e., Farmers Market / Colonial Wmsbg ▪ Goal: Demonstrates value in the collaborations / partnerships Room 2, Table 3 ▪ Partnering side by side – youth with professionals or semi-professionals ▪ Melody-makers: o Free instruction after school (York o 21 students at Elementary; 2-3 years County). in making; 3rd-5th grade opportunity o 3D printed instruments – Williamsburg Regional Library and Printing ▪ Partnering with schools: choirs, theatre, orchestras ▪ Finding natural partnerships o NN public schools (Soundscapes) o Be flexible in working w/ partnerships ▪ Develop allies in the different forums ▪ ARC of Williamsburg - Disability residents enjoying concerts ▪ Going to Senior Living ▪ Yorktown Day – October ▪ *Advertising swap (digital) ▪ *Finding natural partnerships in local government and boards -1- Page 17 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) Room 2, Table 4 ▪ Book Fest: o Visit Wmsbg lists events but not in all o WMBG local areas. o WY Daily, Open Door Concerts o WHRO free ad time ▪ CBWE: o Fort Monroe o CNU o WYO o W&M o ODU o VPCC ▪ Book: o Osher – guest speakers for senior o Art and music citizens – lifetime learning o Synesthesia: see colors with music o HU ROUND 3: What does a truly exciting Williamsburg Arts District look like to you? What are some ways we could achieve it? Room 1, Table 1 ▪ Don’t restrict to Wmbsg o Museum-makers o Performers ▪ Public Arts Council separate from W&M o But share audience o Not much collaboration ▪ Promote art vs. constrain ▪ Occasion for the Arts: local exposure but isolated event (only one weekend per year). ▪ Examples: o Nashville connects to Vanderbilt and o Recently more murals etc. in Wmsbg. Fisk o Bus- art Culture Fix ▪ Venue booking difficult ▪ Arts District: o Gallery space (like Richmond) o Partnership between city and private o Event venue (like Front Royal) o Café, restaurant o Sense of community – not closed off / o Pedestrian access stuffy; accessible Room 1, Table 2 ▪ Has a lot to offer: arts / music / ballet. Need to elevate the arts presence. o A Neon District (like Norfolk), Great o Make “Welcome Center” more visible for the arts. o Did not know this was an arts district? o Need to expand beyond Midtown Row/apartments (tucked away) ▪ Pop out the areas that support the “Arts District.” Ways: o Add logos/murals / QR codes o Merchant Square: great place to o Add to the restaurant district advertise the arts o QR codes save $ / Still have paper o Add Restaurant Week / Night: great o Tourism QR codes (Arts and Culture) way to advertise. o Towne Center exposure for the arts o Show a VIP-Arts card for a discount. -1- Page 18 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) Room 1, Table 3 ▪ Getting communication out and visible o One stop shop o Put the information into one place ▪ Liaison from organizations o A point person o Connections o Rely on WAAC o Open dialogue ▪ Williamsburg is a vibrant community o Connecting with each other o Connecting with audiences ▪ Offer: o Wide variety o Inclusive o Diversity in all media of arts o Consistent different groups being in o No age restrictions public view ▪ Embrace all angles of art. Room 1, Table 4 [not used] Room 2, Table 1 ▪ What’s exciting? o Meeting artists/performers o Second Sundays o Unique programming o Annual forums in person o Interaction in public spaces o Family friendly o Opportunities for youth o Musical swings o Free access o Lifelong learning ▪ Needs: o Better venues o Reach new audiences o Increasing support o Develop more partnerships with o Accessibility schools/colleges o Build appreciation o Destination? Centralized for the o More publicity? public ▪ Recommendations: o Publicity support and awareness o Evergreen QR Code stickers o Social media o Listing of galleries o Printed assets for exposure Room 2, Table 2 ▪ Reasonable rent rates for artists’ studios and display spaces ▪ Rent wall space for display; classroom space especially important for kid classes. Examples: o Gloucester “Art on Main” o Yankee Candle? Pottery? o Torpedo Factory, Alexandria ▪ Other districts: NEON, Norfolk; Vibe, Virginia Beach ▪ Parking is an issue ▪ City must take lead ▪ Online hub for arts info, events ▪ Sculpture – Public Art to designate arts district ▪ Make it a hip destination, places to eat; multiple uses – poetry readings, book readings ▪ Wine trail, but for art ▪ Making room for start-ups -1- Page 19 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) ▪ Low barrier to entry ▪ *Start with digital – online hub. Check with Greater Williamsburg S&E Complex Room 2, Table 3 [not used] Room 2, Table 4 ▪ Williamsburg Arts District: To the College from the shopping center o Arts – live space o Tour incentives o “Most don’t know it’s there” o They time out o Performing artists don’t have a home o VA Expo? Launch pad? ▪ Performing Arts Center? o Youth engagement o Accessible o The youth define an area ▪ Repurpose empty buildings ▪ *Visitor center near I-64 Wrap-Up Discussion Comments Show how being in the arts helps youth get to their goals. “What does this do for them?” Youth are already oversubscribed, so art must serve some end goal or provide some opportunity or advantage. Access to schools: Different schools have different procedures. Individual teachers are often more effective at arranging access. Could schools get lists of opportunities from some “authority” figure? Venue cost is the single biggest issue. Lack of a Williamsburg venue, and the cost of venues. “What to do to connect to youth” is a band-aid. We need to beef up programs for youth engagement to attract them. Highlight youth programs first. At the poetry slam, we created “pipelines.” Youth draws youth, they want to see their friends on stage. Not everyone has to perform, they can be volunteers and do other things. And, the activity has to be meaningful. Encourage young board members. Tell the youth they are leaders NOW, not “of the future.” That is a turnoff. Nonprofits often have too much domination of oldsters. Must engage younger generations, to introduce and involve them, get them excited about the arts. School programs are down since COVID. How do we get schools back into hosting arts groups? Visit Williamsburg has an events networking group quarterly meeting. In terms of a centralized information hub or a collaboration mechanism, this forum helped to get the needle moving. -2- Page 20 of 25  2026 WAAC FORUM - Arts & Allies: A Speed Networking Workshop Attendee Notes (Raw Inputs) Don’t leave small organizations out due to funding – if a dues model were implemented to fund a centralized information system. Possibly make the dues amount contingent on the organization’s income? Such as SAG does? Thoughts have already been laid out in this vein: cost of a website, info needed to make it useful to the fine arts, etc. Should we have a meeting like this every 6 months? -2- Page 21 of 25  LIAISON REPORTS: MARCH 2026 SUSAN CORBETT Stagelights: • Stagelights is planning three camps this summer, the broad theme of which is a celebration of the natural world. They’ll do Fish Tales with the youngest group, Jungle Book with the middle group (tweens), and SpongeBob the Musical with the teens. All shows at Lafayette High School iDance: • In February, their Community Performers put on a show, "Broadway Bound." This is a younger, developing group of dancers so the show was smaller than recent prior years and was structured as a growth and learning opportunity for 20 enrolled students. • Now, the school is focused on preparing for the Annual Showcase, which will be presented at the end of May at Phi Beta Kappa Hall at W&M. This year there are 9 graduating seniors who are working on their "Senior Solos" — each senior has an opportunity to self-choreograph and perform an original work at the Annual Showcase. • This year, there is also a record number of students (more than 60! Tom will be so excited to see every last one of them) who have elected to participate in the finale of the showcase; students learn the piece over three sessions in May and then perform as part of a large group to close out the showcase event. • The multi-style modern/commercial company, The Movement Dance Company (TMDC), is filming original choreography set by Director Lisa Carducci Deringor. Members of TMDC also recently traveled to a hip hop convention to learn from master educators. Their pieces will be edited into a movie, which will "premiere" at a local movie theatre in June. • The ballet company, The Movement Ballet, is holding a spring "festival" where dancers will perform classical works as well as new choreography set by Nirvan Singh, who is visiting from Detroit for a weekend to work with the dancers. Access Virginia: • Access Virginia did not respond to emails BOB LEEK Virginia Arts Festival: • Williamsburg Live extended from three days to four days, scheduled for June 25-28 • Williamsburg Live performing artists announced include Melissa Etheridge, Wynonna Judd, Alison Krauss, Grace Potter, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Virginia Stage Company: • Current performance: “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” • April 8-26: Redd Foxx and Malcolm X washing dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem • 2026-2027 schedule announced including “Come from Away” and “Cabaret” • Williamsburg Book Festival: • 2026 Festival held in February at its new larger venue, W&M School of Education Page 22 of 25 TOM PHELPS Virginia Opera: • DRAGON’S BREATH, Music by Evan Mack, Libretto by Joshua McGuire. Over the last four years, we have attempted to get the Virginia Opera to bring more programs to the Williamsburg Area. They have done only a few programs in the schools. But now, they have presented a full opera in the Williamsburg Library and plan to do more of them for children on the full stage at the library or other venues. With new staff in the development office, I am attempting to get VO o do scenes from some of their current or recent productions. So, they did scenes from Cinderella in the library and intend to apply to do more of the “scenes format” in the future. o Recently, VO presented a full children’s opera at the Williamsburg Library. Commissioned by Samford University School of the Arts by arrangement with the composer and librettist, Dragon’s Breath is an interactive, hour-long, educational opera that teaches children the importance of empathy and self-love. o Dragon’s Breath recently played at the Williamsburg Regional Library to an audience of about 120 kids who, interactively at times, participated in the opera. It taught both techniques of opera production, illustrated how opera is produced, as well as delved into the themes illustrated through libretto and music. o I attended the production and thought it to be an excellent introduction to opera designed for audiences of young people. If we don’t expose youngsters to the art form, we don’t have an audience in the future. Opera in Williamsburg: • Opera in Williamsburg presented a fundraising concert featuring a tenor and mezzo-soprano for about 150 people. It featured an amazing array of songs both from classical opera and modern musicals such as South Pacific and West Side Story.it was a huge success. • Scheduled for May 12 is the GALA, to be held at Colonial Heritage on May 12th. Many arias will be sung, and many duets. Much cash will be raised, OiinW hopes • Meantime, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro will open at the Kimball Theatre on May 22 and run through May 26th. Virginia Symphony Orchestra: • The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, now under the leadership of Shannon Kelly, has hired a new development officer, Anne Filer Voigt. Together with Hope Lomax-Jones, Director or grant Operation, conversations are ongoing about performances in Williamsburg. The latest is Chamber Music in Williamsburg. VSO Up Close: is the beginning of many programs to come to the Williamsburg area. • Beethoven’s Septet & Mozart’s Oboe Quartet were performed on Sunday, March 8, in the Music & Arts Center Concert Hall at William & Mary. The performers, Grace Park, violin, Celia Daggy, Viola, Chris White, bass, Alex Mayer, oboe, Michael Byerly, clarinet. Jacob Wilder, French horn, and Laura Leisring, bassoon were the performers. This septet then is the Concert Master and chairs of each of the sections of the orchestra. Fine musicians who did a splendid job playing the Quartet and Septet. • Plans to do more of these VSO Up Close concerts in Williamsburg are being drawn up as I wright this report. Together with Shannon Kelly and the new development officers, I think WAAC will be successful in having more than five concerts per year, when in the past we had one, maybe two in the area per year. While the Ferguson Center, where the VSA performs full orchestra, is not far. Nonetheless, it will be wonderful to have additional small orchestra performances nearby. ROBIN PHILLIPS An Occasion for the Arts: • Met new Executive Director Hannah Barco at an AOFTA mixer hosted at the Wine Seller on Feb 23rd, attended by local artists. AOFTA may do more of these in the future - a good networking opportunity. It Page 23 of 25  seems that since our Forum, there are some in the arts community who would like to really establish an arts district and better networking / collaboration. Aura CuriAtlas: • No new news. They participated in the Dance Event on the W&M campus in October, but I believe that was not WAAC-funded. • There has also been a series of workshops, "The Inner Work of Social Justice." The first was a Zoom presentation in September, and four more were held at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists Feb - March 2026. I don't think this qualifies for WAAC funding due to the religious connection? • On May 19th, they plan to participate with a performance and workshop as part of the National Dance Society Conference in Williamsburg. Again, if this is funded by the National Dance Society Conference, then I am not clear on where they have applied their WAAC funds for the current FY. • I need to reach out and ask if there are any further local events planned this grant cycle, and ask what to expect on the EOY report. • They have chosen not to apply for the coming FY due to scheduling concerns for our area. They have been doing a lot at University of CA - Irvine and St. Andrews in Scotland. Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg: • Hosted the Windsync ensemble for all grades at Matthew Whaley Elementary on Feb 10th. I attended and it was quite well done. Next up, Borromeo Quartet will be at Bruton HS on March 17th. I plan to attend if my schedule allows (I have a potential conflict). Young Audiences Arts for Learning: • Katie Driskill shared some new programs they have booked at the Yorktown and Tabb libraries. Yorktown is a slight stretch, but I consider Tabb beyond our WAAC geographic area. • Sarah Osburn Brady, Clementina Rind (touring artist from MD) - Sat. March 21st @ 10:30 am.; at the Yorktown Library • Harold Wood, Colonial Daze - Date/time: Sat. April 18th @ 10:30 am; at the Yorktown Library • Nfon Asuquo, History in Your Hands: Block Printing the Revolution - Sat., January 31st @10:30am; at the Tabb Library BARBARA VOLLMER Virginia Regional Ballet: • The Nutcracker received rave reviews • Spring performance is “Peter and the Wolf.” o Sat. May 2 & Sun. May 3 at 2:30 in the Williamsburg Regional Library o Free admission, but a $10 donation would be appreciated • An adaptive dance program was added to their class offerings this year Muscarelle Museum of Art: • Current exhibitions: o Abstract Expressionists: The Women – now through April 26 o James Sullivan: Thinking Sculpture/Sculpture Thinking – until June 14 - curated by Fine Arts professor Dr. Elizabeth Mead, it is also serving as the laboratory portion for the class Neurasthenics o First Looks & Favorites from the permanent collection until June 7, 2026 o Where Late the Sweet Bird: selected Works of Morgan Bulkeley, now until August 27 o Upcoming: America’s Tapestry – 13 Colonies, 13 Stories, I nation – June 19-Sept 20 • Lecture series ended March 17 – speaker was Ellen Landau, curator of the Abstract Women exhibition. • Gallery Players concert – April 15 • Wine & Run for the Roses – May 2 (big fundraiser) Page 24 of 25  • Ongoing art classes for students and adults Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra: • Cabaret & Cocktails: Come Swing with me – 8:00 on April 9 at the Williamsburg Lodge -rescheduled from January date due to winter storm – guest artist Paul Loren • Last concert – May 7 – “American Mosaic” – concert to celebrate American spirit & history. • Performed a concert for all WJCC 4th-grade students in early March – March 3 Williamsburg Youth Orchestra: • Serves 3rd-grade through high school students – programs include two string ensembles, concert band, high school wind ensemble, full symphony orchestra, a summer camp, and a specialized chamber music program. • Winter concert was Feb. 15 – was outstanding • Next concerts-Winter Chamber Program Concert – Sun, March 29 at 4:00 - King of Glory Lutheran Church • Spring Concert on Sun., May 3 at 4:00 – Williams & Mary Concert Hall NICK VRETTOS Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble: • I attended a concert by The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble at William & Mary Music Hall, adjacent to PBK Hall. Superb! It was the second performance in this area. Apparently, they are beginning to find local venues and are spending more time on "this side of town.” Arc of Greater Williamsburg: • Attended two functions. They continue to be run very smoothly and are quite active in providing art related activities to their clients. Williamsburg Youth Harp Society: • Williamsburg Youth Harp Association recently did a performance for The Virginia Docent Exchange at the Muscarelle Museum of Art. They provided background music for the attendee dinner. High marks to them. I have encouraged them to look for more opportunities for the students to perform. They are a committed group. Other: • While I am not a liaison for the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra, I attended a performance recently and report that they continue on an upward trend. Very organized group and our local source for future symphony performers. • I have not had immediate contact with WHRO, but I plan to visit with them along with our Tom Phelps in order to be more specific as to how they can best serve our area. The organization is under great stress from the withdrawal of funding for which they had become accustomed. Page 25 of 25