New art shows and summer music series in Staunton

‘Echoes of the Lens’ exhibit at Staunton Augusta Art Center

“Echoes of the Lens” brings together work by Sally Mann, Paul Strand, Imogen Cunningham, Emmet Gowin, and Ralph Eugene Meatyard, among others, in a focused presentation of artists who have fundamentally shaped the evolution of photography. Spanning generations and distinct artistic approaches, the exhibition traces a lineage of innovation and influence, highlighting how the medium has continually expanded beyond its origins into a form capable of profound expression, interpretation, and cultural impact.

The Staunton Augusta Art Center presents “Echoes of the Lens” June 12 through Aug. 2, with an opening reception on Friday, June 12 from 5-8 p.m. The exhibit is made possible in part through the support of the RZ Foundation and Maude and the Bear. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter works of this caliber in a public setting.

From Paul Strand’s foundational role in establishing photography as a modern art form, to Imogen Cunningham’s precise and formally rigorous studies, to Ralph Eugene Meatyard’s enigmatic and psychologically layered imagery, the exhibition traces a range of practices that continue to shape the language of the medium. Within this context, Sally Mann’s work stands as a powerful touchstone, exemplifying photography’s capacity to navigate the space between the deeply personal and the broadly resonant with striking emotional depth.

Drawn from the private collection of Janet and Frank Marshman, the exhibition places significant works of photographic history into a shared public context. “Every image is a conversation of light and story,” said Frank and Janet Marshman. “We delight in sharing our collection where vision becomes wonder.”

Their commitment to making these works accessible transforms the exhibition into an act of cultural stewardship, offering audiences direct engagement with images that have helped shape the visual language of the past century.

“This exhibition brings together artists who didn’t just contribute to photography, they defined it,” said Angus Carter, executive director of Staunton Augusta Art Center. “At a moment when we are reflecting on 200 years since Joseph Nicéphore took the first permanent photograph, it’s an opportunity to consider how far the medium has come, and how powerfully it continues to shape the way we see, interpret, and understand the world.”

At its core, “Echoes of the Lens” positions photography as an evolving and vital force — one that continues to influence contemporary culture while carrying forward a rich and complex history. With its depth, clarity of vision, and historical significance, the exhibition offers not only a presentation of important work, but a broader reflection on the enduring power of the photographic image.

Exhibit details:

Staunton Augusta Art Center
20 S. New St., Staunton
June 12 – Aug. 2
Opening reception: 5-8 p.m. June 12

‘The Limestone Walls of Malta’ exhibit at CoArt Gallery

CoArt Gallery’s exhibit, “The Limestone Walls of Malta,” throughout the month of June features mixed media artist David McCaskey.

Buildings depicted in David McCaskey’s sketches were built in the 1500-1600’s of Malta’s local limestone, according to the artist’s statement. The material is quite soft when quarried but enormously durable once exposed to the weather. Architectural details and interior work such as intricate carvings in the cathedral of St. John that would normally be done in wood were carved from the soft stone.

Malta was bombed very heavily during WWII and many buildings have had sections of stone replaced and still show scars from bomb fragments.

Exhibit details:

CoArt Gallery
22 W. Beverley St., Staunton
Exhibit runs through month of June
Opening reception: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 6

Arcadia Presents summer concert series on Beverley Street

Arcadia Presents, a summer concert series designed for Shop and Dine Out Downtown returns on Saturday evenings this summer starting Saturday, June 6 at 6 p.m. in front of the former Dixie Theater, 125 E. Beverley St.

Featuring local and regional musicians, concert goers will be treated to a range of musical stylings from classical, folk, blues, jazz and more. The series runs for seven weeks during June and July, with a break for Fourth of July festivities.

“Even with Phase 1 construction underway inside the building, we wanted to continue our mission of connecting people through culture and creativity,” said Elizabeth Respess, board president of Arcadia Project. “We’re excited to welcome new and familiar faces to the ARCADIA Presents tent, and hope you’ll join us this summer for some incredible music and a tour of the building.”

Volunteers will be on hand to welcome folks inside the building, see the renovation progress firsthand starting one half hour before each presentation.

All concerts are free, with some chairs provided.

“We’re thrilled to return for the 2026 season” said Thomas Wagner, Caravanserai Music board member and musician. “The missions of Caravanserai Music and ARCADIA Presents are beautifully aligned – gathering folks together to share a love of music, community and collaboration.”

The Honey Dewdrops benefit concert

A ticketed indoor benefit concert is included in this year’s ARCADIA Presents line-up, with proceeds from ticket sales and donations going directly to building renovations. The Honey Dewdrops, a folk duo who have been performing together for over two decades, have recently made Staunton their new homebase. Composed of Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish, the Honey Dewdrops will perform at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and are available at www.thearcadiaproject.org/ and https://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/.

“We’re grateful to be starting a new chapter in Staunton…,” said Wortman. “Virginia has been calling us home for a few years now and we’re delighted to be near the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains and our families once again. This area has a long history of music makers and shakers, we’re honored to continue to make music and collaborate in new and different ways.”

Following the benefit concert, meet the musicians at an after party at Ciders From Mars, 121 S. Lewis St. Bring your ticket receipt for 10% off draft ciders.

Entertainment lineup for Arcadia Presents

6 p.m. June 6 – The William Hayes Duo. William Hayes (accordion) and Pete Echols (bass) perform Americana, jazz, country, and folk music.
6 p.m. June 13 – Institute Street. Enjoy an evening of acoustic Americana, blues, country and traditional ballads by Matthew Poteat and Joel Hodson.
6 p.m. June 20 – Larry Ragland. Inspired by the likes of Lightfoot, Cash & Taylor, Ragland’s acoustic finger-pick guitar music is influenced by folk and rock traditions.
6:30 p.m. doors open; concert begins 7 p.m. June 27 – The Honey Dewdrops. Ticketed indoor benefit concert at Trinity Church. Blending acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo, while weaving in tight vocal harmonies, Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish take listeners on a winding, narrative musical journey.
6 p.m. July 11 – Jo & Ray. Blending heartfelt vocal harmonies with warm acoustic guitar and banjo, Jo and Ray’s music brings an intimate roots-driven energy through their original songs and reimagined folk/Americana classics.
6 p.m. July 18 – Heifetz Institute students. Heifetz students present solo and small ensemble string pieces – a hootenanny tradition in front of the theater.
6 p.m. July 25 – Caravanserai Music. Arcadia Project co-founder Thomas Wagner and Caravanserai Music will play classical music and tunes from other genres.

All concerts, except for the Honey Dewdrops benefit concert are free. Any at-will donations will go either to the performers in their gratuity jars or to the Arcadia Project to be used towards renovations inside the theater.