Throughout the year, adults can enjoy classes held at the Museum or at The Village at Woods Edge, offering accessible opportunities to learn and create. Adults also have the opportunity to engage with the Blackwater Art League, a vibrant group of local artists who meet regularly at the Museum to create, collaborate, and inspire one another. Through outreach initiatives, we actively participate in community engagement, cultivating art experiences beyond the Museum walls. As a proud partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Rawls Museum Arts benefits from a wide range of cultural experiences and educational resources that enhance our programming and broaden our community’s exposure to the arts.

Working in partnership with local schools and community organizations, our outreach program connects professional artists with learners of all ages. Together, they explore new materials, techniques, and ideas—encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression in every participant.

Each month, high school students from Southampton High School, Franklin High School, and Windsor High School take part in workshops designed to introduce them to fine arts, applied arts, and trade-based arts. These sessions also highlight the creative career paths and professional skills that can grow from a strong foundation in the arts.

Rawls Museum Arts offers engaging art classes for adults of all ages, providing a welcoming space to explore creativity, learn new skills, and connect with others. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our classes cover a variety of media and techniques tailored to different interests and experience levels. Beyond artistic development, participation in the arts offers proven health and social benefits. According to research by Fioranelli et al. (2023), involvement in creative activities supports cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being while fostering a sense of connection and community. At RMA, adult learners find not only artistic inspiration but also meaningful opportunities to support their mental, emotional, and social health through the power of art.

Rawls Museum Arts is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization in partnership with The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Donations are tax-deductible.

The Rawls Museum Arts gift shop is a vibrant extension of the Museum’s mission, showcasing and supporting the work of local and regional artists. Visitors can browse a carefully curated selection of original artwork, handmade crafts, jewelry, and unique gifts—each piece reflecting the creativity and talent of our community.

By purchasing from the gift shop, patrons not only take home a meaningful piece of art but also directly support local artists and the Museum’s ongoing programs. As a charming stop for travelers, the shop also enhances cultural tourism in the region. According to Americans for the Arts, cultural tourists tend to spend more and stay longer than other travelers, making art-centered destinations like RMA valuable contributors to the local economy (Americans for the Arts, 2016). Whether you’re a collector, a visitor, or a supporter of the arts, the RMA gift shop offers something memorable for everyone.