Join us for the fourth installment of the dance series dedicated to celebrating the 100th birthday of Newport News's own, Pearl Bailey. The conceptual focus of this night of dance is the emerald. With its viridescent hue, Kim Kerns was challenged with imagining a performance centered around the precious stone. We are very excited to present her creation, performed by Dienamik Force Dance Team, in honor of our own hidden gem, Pearl. 

The tickets are $10 and can be purchased below. 

Come one, come all! 
The Hilton Elementary School Art Exhibit will be on display from May 17th until May 24th, 2018. It is located in the Newport News Community Gallery at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. The opening reception will be held on May 17th at 6:30 PM. 

Check out our "fan mail" station at the art show! Write a compliment to someone about their artwork and the "mail" will be delivered after the show! 

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. Sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association.

Join us for the Annual Third Congressional District Art Show Gallery Reception with Congressman Bobby Scott. This event is free and open to the public. NO RSVP is required. 

Join us in the Newport News Community Gallery (on the second floor) for our monthly open mic series: 25 Mics! Hosted by Nina Brewton. It takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public. 

Teens With a Purpose is pleased to enter its tenth year of collaboration with Youth Speaks Inc. and Brave New Voices, as seen on HBO, as we present to Southeastern Virginia the 2018 Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Competition Season and Festival.

The Festival, now in its 10th year, has become a much anticipated experience, a festival of competitive performance poetry that blends written tradition with lyricism, positive music and stage acumen in a way that profoundly affects and entertains youth and audiences of all kinds. Here young poets fearlessly tell their stories, in their own words to be shared with their generation and the community at-large. They meet students from different cities and with different background who come together to share their mutual love for the art form - spoken word POETRY.

Each year teens come together in this Olympic style competition. The six finalists qualify to represent all of Hampton Roads at Brave New Voices, the world’s largest youth poetry festival and event. BNV brings together youth poets from 50 states and countries like South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland and England. The competition take place this year in Houston, July 18th - 22nd.

2018 Hampton Roads Youth Poetry Competition Season & Festival Events:

• Hear This! Regional Youth Poetry Festival with Workshop - Sat. March 31st 3pm to 7pm at I.C Norcom H.S. 
• Slover Library, Norfolk, - Wed. April 4th 6pm to 8pm Youth Poet Laureate
•  Zeiders American Dream Theatre, Virginia Beach - Fri. April 13th 6pm to 9pm Middle School Event
• Chrysler Museum, Norfolk – Sat. April, 21st 12pm to 4pm Qualifying Slam
• Downing-Gross Cultural Art Center, Newport News - Sat. April 28th, 4pm to 7pm Finals

For 20 years, the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival has brought a plethora of amazing artists to the city of Newport News. To mark this monumental milestone in honoring the legacy of our "First Lady of Song", we are proud to present two unforgettable concerts with iconic figures in Jazz music. 

On Friday, April 20th, join us at the Ella Fitzgerald Theater for an amazing night with Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit. Drawing inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald herself, you can hear the emotion in Jane's soul-stirring voice. Opening for the evening is singer/songwriter and Richmond-native, Jon Bibbs.

On April 27th, we bring to you the legendary Jennifer Holliday. She catapulted to stardom 35 years ago in the smash Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, with her show-stopping performance as Effie "Melody" White, the iconic role which garnered her a Tony Award for Best Actress in A Musical.  She was discovered at age 17 while singing in her church choir in Houston, Texas by dancer Jamie Patterson, who persuaded her to move to New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in Vinnette Carroll's Your Arms Too Short To Box With God as a featured soloist.  Beyond Broadway, Ms. Holliday appeared as Lisa Knowles on the Fox TV dramedy, Ally McBeal.  She has also enjoyed a successful recording career, winning Grammy® Awards for her mesmerizing performances of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going” (1982) and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” (1985).  Ms. Holliday has also received rave reviews for her first album in two decades, The Song Is You (2014).

You can see both of these women of jazz this year for the 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. Now offering a combo pack to see both shows for a discounted price. The Combo Pack is only available when purchased over the phone (757-247-8950) or in-person at the box office. It cannot be purchased online.

For 20 years, the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival has brought a plethora of amazing artists to the city of Newport News. To mark this monumental milestone in honoring the legacy of our "First Lady of Song", we are proud to present two unforgettable concerts with iconic figures in Jazz music. 

On Friday, April 20th, join us at the Ella Fitzgerald Theater for an amazing night with Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit. Drawing inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald herself, you can hear the emotion in Jane's soul-stirring voice. Opening for the evening is singer/songwriter and Richmond-native, Jon Bibbs.

On April 27th, we bring to you the legendary Jennifer Holliday. She catapulted to stardom 35 years ago in the smash Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, with her show-stopping performance as Effie "Melody" White, the iconic role which garnered her a Tony Award for Best Actress in A Musical.  She was discovered at age 17 while singing in her church choir in Houston, Texas by dancer Jamie Patterson, who persuaded her to move to New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in Vinnette Carroll's Your Arms Too Short To Box With God as a featured soloist.  Beyond Broadway, Ms. Holliday appeared as Lisa Knowles on the Fox TV dramedy, Ally McBeal.  She has also enjoyed a successful recording career, winning Grammy® Awards for her mesmerizing performances of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going” (1982) and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” (1985).  Ms. Holliday has also received rave reviews for her first album in two decades, The Song Is You (2014).

You can see both of these women of jazz this year for the 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. Now offering a combo pack to see both shows for a discounted price. The Combo Pack is only available when purchased over the phone (757-247-8950) or in-person at the box office. It cannot be purchased online.

Join us in the Newport News Community Gallery (on the second floor) for our monthly open mic series: 25 Mics! Hosted by Nina Brewton. It takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public. 

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt

The young photographers of Point, Aim, & Shoot Studios are proud to present an exhibit dedicated to finding the quietly beautiful parts of Newport News. Join us on April 6th at 6:00 PM for the gallery reception, where you can meet the young photographers, learn more about their work and enjoy the wonder of our city. This event is free and open to the public. 

Rhyme Time! Adventures in Poetry presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre

Best for Grades 3rd-8th

Join our duo of traveling actors, Lenny and Mabel – “The Greatest Actors in the World” – as they share their favorite poetry selections. From the mysterious origins of nursery rhymes to the homespun wisdom of folk poetry; from the lofty language of Shakespeare to the spoken word of modern times, this show is a perfect selection for National Poetry Month! Lenny and Mabel will capture the audience’s imagination while celebrating the magic of words!

Tickets are only $5 and are available now! 

Sponsored by

Lions Bridge Financial Advisors

Young Lady You Are is an event geared towards girls ages 12-17 in which they will explore the cultural and educational opportunities that their community has to offer. The goal of this program is to expose the young ladies of our community to creative and cultural avenues that will enhance their outlook on life, equip them to face opposition in a positive way, and become better women with bright, successful futures.

The event will feature an introductory activity followed by three, hour-long workshops. There is a dance workshop lead by Dreams in Motion Studio Owner and choreographer, Liza Infanzon-Smith. Local designer, Erika Randolph will lead a fashion/vision board workshop and a culinary arts workshop will be led by owner of Deliciously Done, Danielle Williams. The day will culminate in a presentation including a keynote address from motivational speaker, life coach, and children’s book author, Florenza Denise Lee. It will also include a panel discussion, and a performance from local poet Glo-Shines.

YLYA seeks to cultivate and nourish a warm, vibrant, supportive, convivial, and creative atmosphere for these young women to liberate their creativity and imagination at DGCAC, one of Newport News’s own “Hidden Gems”. They will be experience a network of both local and national creative talent that exposes feasible avenues to express themselves in successful ways- ways which would have otherwise remained “hidden” to them.

The registration deadline is March 26th, 2018. To view the women participating in this event, click here!

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED. ALL ATTENDEES HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONTAINING THE FULL REGISTRATION FORM ON MONDAY, MARCH 26th. 

Come and experience the other-worldly artwork of artist J. Ortiz, who will create an experience for the audience that stimulates the senses. Ortiz will recreate “the artist at work” while the viewer explores his celestial and abstract creations made from a variety of media to include spray paint and acrylics, made with unconventional materials and techniques. 

Creative Spray opens on March 24th with an opening reception from 7-9 PM in the Newport News Community Gallery at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Come out and enjoy the work of J Ortiz and be inspired to create. On display March 24th-30th.

The Saga of Faith Mission is a panel discussion exploring the preservation of important local black history and the role of religion in folk art through the story of Anderson Johnson.

The panel will include the original members of the Committee to save the Faith Mission, as well as those who knew Elder Anderson Johnson himself and collected his artwork. Also included will be the co-curator of our permanent exhibit "Working in the Spirit: The Visionary Art & Life of Elder Anderson Johnson 1915-1998", who will shed light on how to curate a space meant to re-create the sensory experience of entering Johnson's Faith Mission.

The discussion will be preceded by the introduction of prolific Folk artist Everna Lee Taylor who will display in our Foyer Gallery from February 1-March 31, 2018.

The afternoon will be concluded with a Q&A and reception. RSVP is recommended. 

For more information on the panelists and others who will be a part of this event, click here. 

Join us in the Newport News Community Gallery (on the second floor) for our monthly open mic series: 25 Mics! Hosted by Nina Brewton. It takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public. 

Unfortunately, the 3Sixty Concert scheduled for March 10th with Taylor McFerrin and Chantae Cann has been cancelled. Refunds will be given to those who have purchased a ticket to this event and the promotional contest  has now ended. Thank you to everyone who participated. We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your continued
support. 

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com

Join us in the Newport News Community Gallery (on the second floor) for our monthly open mic series: 25 Mics! Hosted by Nina Brewton. It takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public. 

Throughout February 2018, Downing-Gross brings you "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" as you have never seen it before! Journey with us into a world of wonder and pure imagination. Bring the entire family for an unforgettable show featuring the iconic characters that we all know and love. Tickets are only $10 and are available now!

Directed by Michelle Gilliam · Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley · Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald · Based on the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl · Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with music theater international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by mti. www.mtishows.com