FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 7, 2026
CONTACT:
Virginia Commission for the Arts
Colleen Dugan Messick, Executive Director
colleen.messick@vca.virginia.gov
Richmond, VA | The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) announces a new cohort of teaching artists and educational organizations to its celebrated statewide Teaching Artist Roster:
- Amelia Rafle | Printmaking & Bookbinding | Richmond
- Ballet Virginia | Ballet | Norfolk
- Genna Beth Davidson | Puppetry | Henrico
- Kim B Miller | Poetry & Spoken Word | Dumfries
- MIMA Music | Music & Songwriting | Charlottesville
- Music Orchard Richmond | Music | Richmond
- The Noble Blades | Stage Combat | Herndon
- Tidewater Arts Outreach | Music & Arts for Older Adults | Norfolk
This cohort expands the esteemed lineup of skilled educators available for booking by nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of local or tribal governments across Virginia.
Empowering Virginia Learners through the Arts
Artists accepted onto the Teaching Artist Roster are recognized for their artistic expertise and ability to deliver high-quality instruction across diverse learning environments. Through Arts in Practice Grants, VCA Teaching Artists lead dynamic residencies and workshops that engage learners of all ages while also offering professional development opportunities for educators. Applicants are encouraged to apply for these noncompetitive grants, which are designed to reimburse organizations that partner with VCA Teaching Artists in schools and a variety of community settings. Eligible Arts in Practice applicants include a wide range of organizations such as public or private schools, colleges and universities, libraries, parks and recreation departments, correctional facilities, museums, festivals and fairs, hospitals, senior centers, places of worship and more.
These low-barrier grants expand access to enriching arts education across Virginia by enabling VCA Teaching Artists to partner with organizations that are frequently forced to prioritize essential services over creative enrichment activities.
“We are thrilled to be first-time recipients of a VCA Arts in Practice grant. Their support allowed us to bring the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance to the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop’s 2nd Annual Shoebox Lunch Festival, celebrating African Cultural traditions through an inspiring workshop and dance performance.” – Gerald Boyd, Director at Samuel D. Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum
“I’m grateful for VCA Arts In Practice grants, which have allowed me to offer more classes and reach even more budding artists. My first year on the Teaching Artist Roster has allowed me to expand my offerings at the Robinson Theater and the VCU Health Family Childcare Center. My work at VCU Health is so rewarding, as I’m able to introduce the performing arts to the youngest of developing artists. Together with the teachers, I’ve witnessed students’ growth and joyful engagement in movement and rhythm classes, and have seen how it encourages not only their sense of the arts but their healthy development and understanding of the world.” – Allisen Learnard, VCA Teaching Artist
Eligible applicants can get started by reaching out to an artist on the VCA Teaching Artist Roster. Applicants may apply for funding up to twice per year, requesting up to $2,000 per application, subject to the individual allocation available for each Teaching Artist. A 15% cash match from the applicant is required. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the residency start date. Applications for activities taking place through June 15, 2026 must be submitted no later than April 1, 2026. The program will reopen on June 1, 2026 for activities occurring during FY26 (July 1, 2026–June 15, 2027).
Applications are submitted through the VCA online grant portal on the VCA website. For questions or more information, please contact Lorraine Bruner, Grants and Artist Roster Coordinator, at lorraine.bruner@vca.virginia.gov.
About the New Artists
Amelia Rafle | Richmond
Amelia Rafle, a faculty member at Virginia State University and Randolph-Macon College, leads workshops that make printmaking accessible, including linoleum-block techniques that don’t require formal studios. She also teaches bookbinding, copper-plate etching, and collagraphs, helping students explore how the medium serves as a powerful tool for visual communication and social activism.
Ballet Virginia | Norfolk
Ballet Virginia provides high-quality ballet and dance education for all ages, offering classes in ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, and more, as well as adult continuing education. Their programs include school-based instruction for underrepresented students, summer intensives, and pre-professional training, all designed to make dance accessible and foster future careers in the arts.
Genna Beth Davidson | Henrico
Genna Beth Davidson teaches puppetry performance, design, and fabrication through hands-on workshops for all ages. Her offerings include shadow puppetry, rod and sock puppet creation, and custom puppet design, engaging learners in both storytelling and stagecraft.
Kim B Miller | Dumfries
Kim Miller is Poet Laureate Emerita of Prince William County and an award-winning spoken word artist. Her workshops in haiku writing, performance techniques, imagery-based writing, and creative programs like 3D Poem Craft, enable students to express themselves through personal storytelling, build confidence, and connect with their communities.
MIMA Music | Charlottesville
MIMA Music brings creative, improvisation-based music programs to learners of all ages, helping participants build teamwork and social-emotional skills while creating original compositions and performances. Their work engages a diverse array of partners, including schools, nonprofits, and housing and community development organizations.
Music Orchard Richmond | Richmond
Music Orchard Richmond (MOR) provides high-quality, inclusive music education that develops students’ musical skills while fostering academic success. By partnering with schools, community organizations, and arts institutions, MOR removes barriers to music instruction and delivers hands-on, collaborative learning experiences to under-resourced communities.
The Noble Blades | Herndon
The Noble Blades provide professional stage combat instruction, offering a full catalogue of pre-made workshops to develop story telling skills and safety awareness. They are equipped with industry-standard, stage-safe weapons and safety gear, including mats and crash pads, to ensure hands-on, secure learning experiences for participants of all ages.
Tidewater Arts Outreach | Norfolk
Tidewater Arts Outreach uses the arts to bring joy, enhance well-being, and support lifelong learning for older and isolated adults. Their programs, delivered in partnership with senior living communities, healthcare providers, libraries, and other community organizations, provide high-quality arts experiences where participants live or receive care.
About the Virginia Commission for the Arts
The Virginia Commission for the Arts, established in 1968, is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VCA fulfills its mission through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, distributing grant awards to Virginia artists, arts organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, educators, and local and tribal governments.
For more information about the Virginia Commission for the Arts, visit www.vca.virginia.gov. Artists, organizations, and interested members of the public are invited to follow the VCA on Instagram @virginiaarts, Facebook @VirginiaArts, and LinkedIn at Virginia Commission for the Arts as well as subscribe to the Virginia Commission for the Arts Newsletter for the latest news, resources, and opportunities.