Arts & Culture

Art in all its forms provides a positive impact on visitors, residents and local communities throughout the New River Valley. The presence of major universities and job and business opportunities brings global cultures to the region and expands our vision of the world. Appalachian heritage has forged the region’s character, creating a sense of place and promoting kinship among the population. Blending international cultures and expression through art broadens our identity in the context of past, present and future. It’s easy to find something year-round that embraces artistic expression in small venues or on stage or at the $100 million Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg. This sophisticated venue plays host to Appalachian musicians and The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming with banjos, guitars and dulcimers as well as famed international performers. Beloved American artist Pat Buckley Moss resides in the New River Valley and often makes personal appearances at her P. Buckley Moss Gallery on Main Street in Blacksburg. Many artists open their galleries to the public, and the Floyd County Artisan Trail boasts more than 40 open studios across a long weekend in June. Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College promote an interesting collage of performing arts. One of the best souvenirs a traveler or local resident can acquire is a local art piece or unique handcrafted item.

• Art Pannonia, Blacksburg • Bell Gallery & Garden, Floyd • Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley, Pulaski • Floyd Center for the Arts, Floyd • Gunpowder Springs Artisan Shop, Eggleston • Miller off Main Galleries, Blacksburg • The Artful Lawyer, a Fine Gallery, Blacksburg

Museums chronicle history, preserve artifacts, tools and buildings and serve as stewards of the past.

• Alexander Black House & Cultural Center, Blacksburg • Andrew Johnston House & Museum, Pearisburg • Blue Ridge Music Center, Floyd • Coal Miner’s Heritage Park, McCoy outside Blacksburg • Floyd County Historical Society Museum, Floyd • Glencoe Mansion Museum & Gallery, Radford • June Bug Center, Floyd • Montgomery Museum or Art & History, Christiansburg • Old Church Gallery, Floyd • Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum, Pulaski • Smithfield Plantation, Blacksburg • St. Luke’s and Odd Fellows Hall, Blacksburg • Wilderness Road Regional Museum, Newbern