This morning the Clifton Forge School of the Arts enjoyed a visit with 20 children (and their teachers and bus drivers) from the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. This wonderful group created fabulous cloth dolls, many with spectacular yarn hairdos. On the way out, one sweet 6-7 year old boy wrapped his arms around my waist and said 'thank you SO much!'😢. Such a privilege to spend time with little ones.
Later in the afternoon we were joined by the Principal and staff of Callahan Elementary School. We gave them a tour of our facilities and shared details of our classes and role as a community art school. We look forward to welcoming them back in the future and thank them for their dedicated work with elementary school children. We learned that their art budget needs some fairy godmothers. Looking for a good cause to make a donation? Send it to Principal Nancy Moga at Callahan and request it be directed to their art program💚.
- Laura Rainone, Director

There are more than 65 paintings in this exhibit.  Viewing hours are Tuesdays - Fridays, 10am - 4pm; Saturdays 10am - 2pm. MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION will be Friday, December 9 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. 
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Born in Syracuse, New York, Ms. Crandall studied at the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston. While raising a family during the 1960’s and 70’s in Rhode Island, she developed a freelance art career that ranged from fine art to manuscript prep. Henrietta has participated in both group and one-woman exhibitions in Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and West Virginia.  She moved to the mountains of Virginia in the summer of 1990 and presently resides with her husband David in Clifton Forge. 

Nine years ago, Henrietta joined a small group of area citizens to organize The Clifton Forge Company. They opened Clifton Forge School of the Arts in 2011 for providing instruction in fine and applied arts. Ms. Crandall serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors and is active in all School activities. Her most recent efforts have been to assist in establishing a perennial and specimen tree garden in the rear of the School property at 518 Church Street. 

This year, 2016, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts will be celebrating our fifth birthday! Practically since the first day we opened our doors, we have been supported and encouraged by a dedicated crew of volunteers. Covering everything from events to clean-up, volunteers have helped us keep the doors open, the lights on, and the classes running! Today we celebrated their support with a luncheon and time of volunteer appreciation. Enjoy some pictures of the event below, courtesy of Chuck Almarez - a talented local photographer and CFSOTA instructor (fireandlightgallery.com).