Central Virginia Arts (CVA) will begin its 2016-17 club year on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m. with its Annual Potluck Picnic at the home of William and Lila Reach on Second Avenue in Farmville. The picnic at the Reach home follows the tradition of CVA holding social events in interesting homes in our community.

“This house,” William Reach said, “was built in 1950 by Farmville businessman Emanuel Weinberg and his wife Esther. The house was ultra-modern for its time, with an emphasis on large open spaces for entertaining. There is also a lot of wall space for hanging photos and art work.”

President Richard McClintock said the picnic is a perfect opportunity to meet CVA members.

“And to learn more about Central Virginia Arts and its benefits — especially since we are meeting at a house that is architecturally and historically significant for the Farmville area,” McClintock said.

He said he is encouraging anyone interested in the arts to invite a friend, bring a potluck dish, the necessary serving utensils, and a folding chair, and come and join the group for a delightfully pleasant afternoon. (In case of rain the event will be held indoors at the same location.)

At the picnic, the group will learn about the events planned for the year. In addition to the Sunday afternoon lectures and Saturday workshops by lecturers and artists from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, there will be numerous receptions,  socials and occasional organized tours. 

There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for artist members to exhibit their artwork at three locations — Riverside Café, the Atkinson Museum at Hampden-Sydney College and the Prince Edward County Health Department.

Central Virginia Arts, a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, is a non-

profit organization dedicated to encouraging awareness of and participation in all the arts in Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward counties.  

For more information call (434) 390-5015 or visit the CVA website, www.centralvirginiaarts.org.