EXCITING NEWS!!!   The Heart of Virginia Foundation and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, in conjunction with Doreen’s Gourmet, would like to present the Virginia Center for Integrated Arts Songbird Gallery and Stage. The Songbird Gallery and Stage will feature:

               -Live music weekly

-Open mic

-Karaoke

-Poetry night

-Local youth talent showcases

-Bi-quarterly gallery receptions featuring local and regional artists

-Integrated arts workshops

By providing artists with a venue to grow and showcase their talents, we are:

- Working to assist in the development of a community for artists to share ideas and knowledge

-Helping artists develop a working knowledge of art and commerce through

mentor programs

-Providing greater public exposure to art through our Art in Public Places

program

-Providing local youth with opportunities for self-expression, professional arts training, and more

The gallery will showcase both established and emerging artists from Roanoke and around the region. Featured artists will be showcased with a reception every six weeks, which will include live music, wine and hors doeuvres, performance art, and a coordinated marketing and promotion campaign.

The stage will continue to draw local and regional talent, as well as, provide a space for youth, new comers, poets, and performers to develop and showcase their talents.

We are ecstatic that we are continuing to move forward, promoting our mission and striving to accomplish our goals!

Get your Heart of Virginia logo tee- $10 + $4.95 shipping and handling or save the s&h cost by coming out to one of our fund raising events!  Mail check, cash or money order with size to The Heart of Virginia Foundation PO Box 20322 Roanoke, VA 24018.

The Heart of Virginia needs your help to meet our goals!  Make a difference by volunteering, donating, and spreading the word of our mission!  We appreciate your support!

Would you like to keep yourself aware of current issues, contact your legislators, seek support, share your story... CHECK OUT OUR MYSPACE PAGE- WE HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS THAT ARE GREAT RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND SUPPORT!  www.myspace.com/theheartofvirginia

This is a great opportunity for community service! Please download our volunteer applicaton from our home page or under CONTACT US.  You may email the completed application to nancy@theheartofva.org.

If you are diagnosed with a mental illness and would like to share your story, music or artwork, please contact nancy@theheartofva.org.  We'd love to consider you for our SPOTLIGHT!

The Heart of Virginia is working to create monthly fund-raising events.  In the works, more MUSIC FOR MENTAL HEALTH concerts, golf tourneys, guitar hero contests, and more!!  Stay tuned!