Virginia Center for the Creative Arts — Local services in Amherst

I had a magical experience at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, which was my first-ever residency experience. I spent my days writing in my beautiful studio or sitting outside under the trees when I needed fresh air, sharing nourishing meals with fellow artists/kindred spirits, and in general, spending a great deal of time steeped solely in creativity. The staff and other fellows were so friendly and welcoming, and hearing about their approaches to their own art fueled my own creativity. VCCA gave me the space and time I needed to explore ideas and think (complete with providing all of my meals!), and I ended up leaving with so many new and unexpected writing that could only have arisen through this dedicated time. I’m so grateful to VCCA for this...

I just returned home from two weeks at the VCCA - postponed by COVID from 2020! Throughout the shutdown, VCCA staff kept in touch, informing fellows of progress made at the site and their hopes for reopening. I was thrilled to be offered a spot this Spring. I had a fabulous working time! Uninterrupted time with my writing was what I had been craving! And it made a huge difference to my project (a book length manuscript). Everyone is so friendly - staff, fellows, the Director (and his lovely dog!). VCCA provides the opportunity to work on your own and to meet and engage with other artists and writers at supper and special events! I have been so fortunate to have residencies at the VCCA and I would return in...

My three-week stay at VCCA provided me with the richest art-making environment I have experienced yet. My visual arts studio was spacious and filled with natural light. The campus provided wonderful spaces to recharge with its beautiful gardens, vistas of the mountains, and pool. Our meals, provided by Meriwether Godsey, were thoughtfully planned and prepared with lots of fresh locally-sourced fruits and vegetables and flavorful ingredients. The wonderful staff were welcoming and helpful and I loved the yoga classes. I am so grateful for my time living and working in such a vibrant community of writers, composers, and visual artists. I will be realizing the creative benefits of my stay for a long...