Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education, Chesterfield’s newest arts center at , has a calendar full of events, including concerts, author meet and greet, magicians, comedians and more. The center aims to work with the community, support diverse artists and performers and maintain an inclusive center for all to feel home. On August 12, RVA on the Cheap was fortunate enough to experience a performance by Black Violin at the gorgeous Chester venue.
Perkinson Center For The Arts and Education Jimmy Dean Theater. Photo credit: Facebooik
Immediately upon entering the center, we were greeted with the most cheerful and kind employees. Truly, their excitement was palpable, and we immediately felt comfortable. Kudos, especially to Chelsea and Heather who made my 7 year old daughter feel completely at ease at her first ever concert.
Doors opened one hour prior to the show, allowing ample time to explore the galleries. A current exhibition, “Quarantine Creations”, which features art contributed by community members was incredibly poignant.
Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education art gallery. Photo credit: Facebook
Concessions opened one hour prior to the show, as well. With popcorn, soda and candy in hand, we found our seats in the 350 seat Jimmy Dean Theater.
Before we knew it, Black Violin hit the stage, performing its first show in 17 months for a most enthusiastic crowd. While masks are required, it did not stop the crowd from cheering, singing and taking in all the joy Black Violin offered the crowd. During the 90 minute show, the performers gave a touching message to all the children in the crowd, telling them to outwork everyone, and find a different way to do your art. This powerful message resonated with my own mini-Mozart as she has mentioned it several times since. We are so thankful to have experienced this extraordinary talent in the center’s stunning venue.
Black Violin performed at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education. Photo credit: Lindsay Garrison
As a community partner, Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education collaborated with Chesterfield County Public Library and will have a FREE Meet and Greet with New York Times bestselling graphic novel series author, Nathan Hale.
Other FREE ways to enjoy the center: schedule a free gallery tour. Exhibits will change in fall, winter. Further, for $10, patrons can enjoy the ElectriCar Palooza, Richmond’s celebration of National Drive Electric Week. $10 covers 3 different programs throughout the day.
RVA on the Cheap is ecstatic about Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education and the promise it holds for our community!
Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education, 11810 Centre St Chester, VA 23831
Website: http://www.perkinsoncenter.org/
Tel: (804) 748-5555
More events coming up at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education,
•Kadencia Orchestra – Oct. 7
•Bindlestiff Family Cirkus – Oct. 9
– By Lindsay Garrison
Richmond on the Cheap contributor Lindsay Garrison is a Richmond, Virginia based mom to two young children. A graduate from Chesterfield Schools and Randolph-Macon College, Lindsay is proud to call Richmond home. In the years prior to planning activities and outings with her own children, she was a French teacher. During her tenure she earned accolades for her creative teaching style and ability to connect with her students. Lindsay now applies the skills she learned when she was planning student trips to France, to her own family adventures. She can’t wait to take her own children to France one day! Follow the Garrison’s family adventures on Instagram: @thegarrisonsrva
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