We are located in the heart of historic Old Towne Petersburg, Virginia.

Address:

7 East Old Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803

Hours*:

Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM

Sunday - 11AM - 4PM

*Friday for the Arts, 2nd Friday of the Month Extended Hours

Friday Evening 5PM - 8:00PM

Contact Us:

Telephone: 804-861-4611

Email: paal@paalarts.org

The Art Park Mural

Mickael Broth’s Artist Statement

This sketch addresses Petersburg’s complicated, but vital, past and looks toward the future. The Primary message is the word “ONWARD.” It summarizes the spirit of the city’s constant progression in the face of adversity. The style of the wording is derived from the traditional style of sign painting that is prevalent on the Petersburg walls. The train is both a literal reference to the rich railroading history associated with the city, as well as a nod to the Underground Railroad, the history of which is tied to many sites in the area. The Appomattox River winds through the foreground cutting across lined land, indicative of trench warfare, a style of military combat that was developed during the siege of Petersburg in the Civil War. The land rises from the river in rolling hills, before reaching the harsh landscapes of the Appalachian coal hills, to which the railroad connects. Local buildings, landmarks (such as the well on Pocahontas Island), and plants (such as Crepe Myrtles in bloom and Weeping Willows) dot the landscape and pull the composition together. My hope is that this piece can bring a bit more beauty and hopoe to a place rich in history and potential.

The second Friday of every month, downtown Petersburg hosts an evening celebrating the arts called "Friday for the Arts". PAAL holds its opening reception for its monthly exhibitions from 5:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. during Friday for the Arts. Many other shops, restaurants and galleries in the downtown area also host openings and events coinciding on Friday for the Arts. http://www.fridayforthearts.net

President:

bill nicholson

Vice President:

Cyndi Koe

Secretary:

Rick Clements

Directors:

• david bartlett

• Miguel carter-fisher

• Rod Givens

• C. alex guzman

• Pedro Ledesma III

• Austin Miles

• Lisa Mistry

• Tiara russell

• Catherine Venable

*note all officers are also directors

advisory Board:

jonathan rey moore

1932 

Miss Anna Mercer Dunlop, considered the Dean of Petersburg Artists, founds the Petersburg Area Art League, creating a legacy of art in downtown.

1959 

PAAL begins the Poplar Lawn Arts Festival, an annual tradition drawing people from around the region until the late 1990s.

1971 

PAAL moves into the building at 7 E. Old St.

1983 

Nan Seward Jones donates the building to PAAL.

1993 

Old Towne Petersburg is hit by a huge tornado, which tears the roof off the building and completely destroys the gallery space.

1998 

After existing in temporary quarters, PAAL returns to the front of the original building, although the gallery is not restored. 

2008 

The Cameron Foundation awards PAAL a $1.5m challenge grant, of which $750,000 is directly awarded and $750,000 is set as a challenge for Virginia State University to raise matching funds; funds are to be used toward renovation of the gallery and creation of an Education Center, with VSU able to use a portion of the renovated space for a VSU Museum. · PAAL launches a one-week Summer Art Camp program for elementary school children. · Groundbreaking on renovations and Education Center. · The City of Petersburg agrees to donate lot adjacent to PAAL for use as an Art Park.

2009