When evaluating a city’s quality of life, it is often the intangibles that make the difference. Cost of living is central; good schools are essential; nice restaurants, open spaces, and an easy commute to work are a bonus. It is the arts, however, that distinguish the nice from the fabulous. Gallery openings, theater premieres, concerts, poetry readings — these are the icing on the cake. In Henrico County, all of these can be found in one remarkable space.

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen offers residents and visitors a wide array of opportunities to experience the arts. Located in the old Glen Allen School, the Cultural Arts Center opened in 1999. Filling all 50,000 square feet of this unique building, the multi-use facility brings together the best in visual, literary, and performing arts.

The primary goal of the Center is to make art and performance a vital part of life in Henrico County. To accomplish this, the Center works with several local and regional arts organizations to provide performing arts education to local citizens. For example, the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) conducts classes for young thespians throughout the year. During the summer, Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks offers CenterStage, a performing arts camp. The Latin Ballet of Virginia performs and teaches classes, while the Henrico Theater Company offers a sold-out season of drama, comedy and musical theater.

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen offers residents and visitors a wide array of opportunities to experience the arts. Located in the old Glen Allen School, the Cultural Arts Center opened in 1999. Filling all of this unique building, the multi-use facility brings together the best in visual, literary, and performing arts.

The Center also offers its own programming. For example the Music Connections Series showcases nationally known musicians. Past performers have included John Sebastian, Roger McGuinn, Janis Ian, and Al Stewart, among others. The Garden Music Series showcases local musicians and provides a great evening of music in an outdoor setting. For children, the Center offers monthly day-time performances in different areas of the arts. A favorite event for locals is Legends in Glen Allen. This free event the first Saturday evening of November features regional and national storytellers.

The Center also offers an array of classes in the visual arts, from beginner’s pottery for kids to advanced watercolors for adults. Ceramics, pottery, photography, even textiles and weaving, help to round out the course list available to area residents. By using local artists to pass on their knowledge and expertise, the Center brings the arts directly into people’s lives. Through performances, exhibitions, and classes, the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is fulfilling its mission with flair.