In August, the Virginia Film Festival welcomed director Bill Banowsky in conversation following a showing of his film, “A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant.” The film features archival footage and hundreds of Oliphant works, and the showing was a homecoming of sorts, since the University of Virginia Library houses Oliphant’s archive, which was critical in the making of the film.
From the moment it opened on October 11, 1975, the McGuffey Art Center was a hit. Half a century later, the vibrant arts organization is still humming along, providing affordable studio space and a supportive environment for artists while delivering art shows, receptions, classes, open studios, and performances to the public.
Commerce Street Books — in business since June 28 — hopes to pull its customers both closer to literature and closer to one another. The independent bookstore was founded by Class of 2015 alumnus Philip Lorish, who hopes to support what he calls the “practice of reading” in the Charlottesville community.
A student-favorite tradition — and one of the first of the school year — Rotunda Sing is a chance for the University’s a capella world to join forces and share their pride with the student body. 17 musical groups performed on the Lawn Wednesday, marking the 37th annual Rotunda Sing.
For decades, the books were believed lost, numbering among the pieces of University of Virginia history that fell victim to the 1895 Rotunda fire. Then Amanda Greenwood, an archivist in the University’s Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, discovered centuries-old medical and anatomical texts.
The Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival is happening from September 7 to the 20th. For Arts This Week, we spoke with Nathalie Hokanson.
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. The fourth annual Mad Jazz and Wine Festival is happening this September 6, from 11 to 5pm at the Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery. For Arts This Week, we spoke with Eric Mayberry, founder and organizer of the event.
Former University President Jim Ryan demonstrated genuine support for student arts organizations through his attendance at countless student-organized events and administrative support over the course of his term. As the University enters a new chapter, students and alumni are reflecting on Ryan’s impact and involvement in the University arts scene, while also voicing hopes for growth, at a school where creativity and freedom of expression are deeply ingrained in the culture.
As the fall semester begins, University students are looking forward to enjoying the constellation of arts that the University and Charlottesville have to offer. This fall’s arts season does not disappoint, boasting a breadth of events from trusted University drama department productions to momentous visits from big names like Adam Sandler and Tyler Childers.
After earning his doctorate in religious studies from the University of Virginia’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Philip Lorish’s path hasn’t been a traditional one. He first worked as a consultant for startups looking for insight into the intersection of technology and ethics, then decided to pursue his dream of opening an independent bookstore in Charlottesville.
University of Virginia professor Deborah Parker has been awarded the 2025 Mary Lynn Kotz Art in Literature Award for her book Becoming Belle da Costa Greene: A Visionary Librarian Through Her Letters. Presented by the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the award honors outstanding literary works inspired by art and recognizes excellence in both creative and scholarly writing.
The artists of Mimili Maku Arts span generations, from emerging creatives to established visionaries. Together their work reflects the vibrant Mimili Community in South Australia on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. In 2012, artists across families and generations made prints at a workshop on Country with the master printmaker Basil Hall. This selection speaks directly to the continuity of Aṉangu culture. Husband and wife Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams and Tuppy Ngintja Goodwin mentored Robert Fielding who in turn taught his son Zaachariaha Fielding. Betty Kuntiwa Pumani passed down the stories that she learned from her mother to her own daughter Marina Pumani Brown and her niece Josina Pumani.
