COMMUNITY & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Plants and Places Reception
FREE PROGRAM! Celebrate the opening of Plants and Places: Artwork from the Oak Spring Garden Foundation with a reception highlighting the ways artists engage with plants and landscapes as sources of inspiration, inquiry, and creative expression, featuring work by residency alumni and library-inspired pieces.
Trivia Night
FREE PROGRAM! Gather your savviest friends for trivia night at the Barns, presented in partnership with CCHA. Prepare to test your mettle on a wide range of topics—guess and wager correctly, and your team might just take home a prize!
Oil Painting Boot Camp for Beginners
RESCHEDULED from Mar. 7 to Apr. 11
Join esteemed painter and educator Jordan Xu for a hands-on oil painting workshop. Learn foundational techniques while exploring both classical methods and expressive application. This Emerging Artist Month program is made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Pictured: Bonfire Jam by Jordan Xu.
Taking Tea and Taxes
FREE PROGRAM! Trace the evolution of tea from a Royal social hour in Britain to a Revolutionary spark in Colonial America in this in-depth look at how objects from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts played a role in provoking America’s war for independence. This VA250 program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Trivia Night
FREE PROGRAM! Gather your savviest friends for trivia night at the Barns, presented in partnership with CCHA. Prepare to test your mettle on a wide range of topics—guess and wager correctly, and your team might just take home a prize!
Introduction to Color Theory
Explore the emotional and physical power of color with artist and educator Pam Klein in this five-week workshop, inspired by Josef Albers’ Interaction of Color. Experiment with colored paper to see how color behaves, communicates, and transforms, and leave with fresh ways to observe, express, and use it in your own creative practice. Photo: Joseph Albers, Interaction of Color (1963), courtesy of Bukokskis.
Book Club with Jonathan Noyalas
FREE PROGRAM! Author Jonathan Noyalas leads a discussion on his book Slavery and Freedom in the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era. Explore the struggles and resilience of African Americans in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and discover their pivotal role in the fight for freedom. This VA250 program is presented in partnership with the Josephine School Community Museum.
Almost Home Book Launch
FREE PROGRAM! Join Howard Means for the launch of his new novel, Almost Home: A Novel of the Sultana and the Last Great Tragedy of the Civil War. Set in April 1865, the book follows four Union POWs as they endure brutal prison camp conditions and a harrowing journey home on the ill-fated Sultana, bringing one of the Civil War’s most overlooked stories vividly to life.
Life, Extended Artist Reception
FREE PROGRAM! Join us for an Artist Reception celebrating A Solo Exhibit by Kristin Fiorvanti: Life, Extended. Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and complimentary refreshments as you meet Kristin and explore her latest work. This Emerging Artist Month program is made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
IB Visual Arts Exhibition Reception
FREE PROGRAM! Celebrate the creativity and dedication of Clarke County High School’s IB Visual Arts students. Meet the young artists, learn about their creative journeys, and enjoy light refreshments while experiencing their work firsthand. This Emerging Artist Month program is made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Trivia Night
FREE PROGRAM!
Gather your wittiest friends for free general trivia night at the Barns. Prepare to test your mettle on a wide range of topics—guess and wager correctly and your team might just take home a prize!
Franklin Exhibition Closing: Peanuts Party
FREE PROGRAM!
We’ve enjoyed hosting Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum that highlights the story of the first Black character in the iconic Peanuts comic strip. This is your last chance to see it! Celebrate the legacy of Peanuts with costumes, refreshments, and activities for all ages—crafts, scavenger hunts, trivia, and games.
Book Club: Schulz and Peanuts
FREE PROGRAM!
In collaboration with the Clarke County Library, we invite you to join us in reading Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography by David Michaelis. This engaging portrait of Charles M. Schulz—the creator of Peanuts—offers a deeper look at the man behind the beloved comic strip. On August 26, readers will gather for a group discussion featuring a live virtual Q&A with the author. Used copies of the book are available to borrow from the Barns upon request.
Presented alongside Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California—on display from June 7 through August 31.
National Night Out Open House
FREE PROGRAM!
The Barns will be open after hours during National Night Out, an annual community-building event held in adjacent Rose Hill Park. Stop in to see our Franklin exhibition, enjoy family-friendly Peanuts-themed crafts and activities, and grab a cold drink before heading back out to the Park.
Making Comics + Zines Workshop
FREE PROGRAM!
Join graphic novelist Laura Lee Gulledge for a hands-on workshop exploring her visual storytelling process, including live character creation and world-building. Participants will then create their own mini-comic or zine while learning techniques in cartooning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Presented alongside Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California—on display from June 7 through August 31.
Drew Blue Shoes: Magic & Color
FREE PROGRAM!
Drew Blue Shoes blends magic, music, and storytelling into a lively, interactive show filled with original songs, colorful illusions, and plenty of audience participation—delighting kids and families alike.
Summer reading programs are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Library.
Peanuts Paint & Sip Class
Paint, sip, and unwind with us at this Peanuts-inspired summer program! Instructor Carol Erickson will guide this step-by-step painting class—no experience necessary, all materials provided. Enjoy our featured “Woodstock Fizz” cocktail, plus beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
Presented alongside Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California—on display from June 7 through August 31.
Adventures in Fun: Captivating Creatures
FREE PROGRAM!
Discover fascinating reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and parrots in this engaging, hands-on presentation. An experienced handler shares fun facts and invites audience interaction, offering a unique glimpse into the wild world of exotic animals.
Summer reading programs are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Library.
Intro to Making Comics
Join bestselling graphic novelist Robin Ha for a hands-on comics workshop! Learn how to develop characters, plan layouts, and bring your story to life—no experience needed. All ages welcome; basic materials provided.
Presented alongside Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California—on display from June 7 through August 31.
Captain Curiosity: Into the Deep
FREE PROGRAM!
Set sail on an underwater adventure with Into the Deep, where Captain Curiosity and Melina the Mermaid explore ocean wonders through puppetry, science, and storytelling. This playful, interactive show blends fun with fascinating marine discoveries.
Summer reading programs are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Library.
Mr. Jon & Friends
FREE PROGRAM!
Mr. Jon & Friends delivers award-winning, high-energy music that gets kids moving and parents smiling. Created by singer-songwriter (and dad) Jon Lewis, these joyful, interactive shows are packed with laughter, dancing, and songs the whole family will love.
Summer reading programs are presented in partnership with the Clarke County Library.
Songs of Summer Music Bingo
FREE PROGRAM!
Celebrate summer with your favorite seasonal anthems in a musical twist on bingo. Mark your card as you recognize the tunes and compete for prizes in an upbeat evening of “Fun, Fun, Fun” and great company for all ages—no sunscreen required!
Franklin Opening Reception
FREE PROGRAM!
Join us for a special, after hours reception celebrating the opening of Franklin, a traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rose, California. Explore the story of Peanuts’ first Black character and how his 1968 debut helped shape conversations about race in America.
Unmasking the Past Exhibit Opening
FREE PROGRAM!
Join us for an opening reception celebrating the collaborative pottery of Winton and Rosa Eugene, where form and color come together in a conversation of tradition, artistry, and imagination. Meet the artists and explore their stunning work, where function meets beauty and every piece tells a story.
The Evolution of Baseball
90 Percent Mental, the Other Half Physical: The Evolution of Baseball in the 20th Century is presented by the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA).
Step up to the plate for a journey through baseball history! Join CCHA Director Nathan Stalvey as he explores how America’s favorite pastime evolved over the 20th century.
World of Wood Exhibition Closing
FREE EVENT!
To mark the close of this year’s World of Wood Exhibition, join us for a two-part program featuring several experts in woodworking, conservation, and furniture-making at the highest level. To start, Larry Gochenour and Joe Lehnen, leaders in Virginia’s Urban Wood Program, will share how unwanted trees are given new life through sustainable practices. To follow, Jeff Headley and Steve Hamilton will discuss their more than 40-year career crafting and restoring fine furniture for the White House and other historic landmarks.
Including live music by saxophonist Bruce Fransen and complimentary refreshments, all are welcome to join us for this exploration of the enduring beauty and impact of wood—both in preserving the past and shaping the future.
A Story in Threads
A Story in Threads: The Clothing of Enslaved Women in the Antebellum South is presented by the Clarke County Historical Association (CCHA).
Discover the hidden stories behind the clothing of enslaved Black women during the Antebellum period with guest speaker Cheyney McKnight of Not Your Momma’s History. Explore how culture, creativity, and circumstances shaped their attire and uncover the clues that reveal their lived experiences.
Holiday Paint & Sip Class
Join us this holiday season for another paint and sip class! All necessary supplies and materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary. As a special treat, we will have a signature cocktail available, in addition to our usual beverage selections.
Photography Insights – The Heart and Soul of Kenya
FREE EVENT! Front Royal photographer Sharon Fisher joins us for a presentation on how she captured the images on display in her exhibit, The Heart and Soul of Kenya. Fisher will discuss her process, from camera gear to photo editing and more.
Holiday Music Bingo
FREE EVENT! Get ready to jingle all the way to an evening of fun and cheer at our Holiday Music Bingo Night! Gather your loved ones and join us for a night of music, laughter, and holiday magic.
Heart and Soul of Kenya Exhibit Reception
FREE EVENT! Front Royal photographer Sharon Fisher captured the vanishing people, places, and wildlife on a recent trip to Kenya. The resulting exhibit, the Heart and Soul of Kenya, is a stunning photographic journey documenting the five tribes and majestic wildlife she encountered there. Join us for a reception to meet the artist, learn more, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
VMFA on the Road
CANCELED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the VMFA Artmobile will not be visiting the Barns of Rose Hill as planned. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Aggregation Opening
FREE EVENT! Join us for the opening of an exhibit of nature-inspired mosaics by local artist Christy Dunkle. Crafted from natural materials, Dunkle’s mosaics are reflection of her belief in the power of art to evoke memories, covey social statements, and heal. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
VMFA on the Road
CANCELED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the VMFA Artmobile will not be visiting the Barns of Rose Hill as planned. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Medicare Seminar with Angela Brewer
FREE EVENT! Take the guesswork out of enrolling in Medicare with this free seminar led by Certified Medicare Insurance Consultant, Angela Brewer.
Trivia Night
FREE EVENT! Compile a team of your savviest friends for our free general trivia nights. Prepare to test your mettle on a wide range of topics—guess and wager correctly and your team might just take home a prize!
The Polio Crusade Film Screening
FREE EVENT! The Polio Crusade is a one-hour documentary that interweaves the personal accounts of polio survivors with the story of an ardent crusader who tirelessly fought on their behalf while scientists raced to eradicate this dreaded disease.
This program is presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Clarke County and the Clarke County Library.