History
From 2006-2009, Valerie Smith and her husband Scott Whitten opened and operated Larkin Art Studios, which was a small, one-room business that housed a gallery and a school that ran classes year-round. Valerie served as director, instructor, curator, administrator, grant writer, housekeeper and the liaison between organizations such as JMU's Art Ed program and Big Brothers Big Sisters to bring art to deserving students. Between 2009 and 2012, the original business was closed, but the plan for the current art center began. As Valerie and Scott listened to community members, to artists, and to their own hearts, they realized the scope of business that was needed to fill the varied visual arts needs of our town. Specific and actionable planning began in early 2011 and has not stopped! Opening the doors of Larkin Arts on August 27, 2012, a dream that had started in an old blue Oldsmobile, driving down I-81 in spring of 2001, was finally a reality!
Specialties
Larkin Arts is a community-minded art center, committed to promoting and supporting artists and enthusiasts of all ages and levels by providing quality art products, education, exhibits and working studio space.