Fostering Creativity, Inspiring Communities
Our Mission & Vision
MISSION: Arts Alive, Inc. is an organization devoted to promoting and stimulating an awareness and love of the arts. Arts Alive intends to achieve this goal by instituting, funding, supporting, and administering arts programs for all ages.
How We Serve the Community
Arts Alive, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a deep appreciation and love of the arts. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring world-class visual and performing arts experiences to audiences of all ages in the town of West Point and the counties of King William, New Kent, and King & Queen.
VISION: To cultivate a vibrant and inclusive arts culture that inspires and engages individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Since our incorporation in June 2003, Arts Alive has proudly served as a cultural hub, offering:
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Live Performances: Enjoy professional concerts, theater productions, and community shows.
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Educational Programs: Explore hands-on art workshops, summer art camps, and Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp for Youth.
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Art Exhibitions: Discover rotating exhibits that showcase the talent of local and regional artists.
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Scholarships: Supporting aspiring artists and students pursuing education in the arts.
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Cultural Outreach: Bringing concerts, cultural performances, and arts programming to local schools and communities.
Each program is designed to engage, educate, and inspire individuals across all generations.
SUPPORTERS
Arts Alive thrives thanks to the generosity of our community. We are partially supported by:
We also extend heartfelt gratitude to local governments, businesses, and individuals who champion our cause.
Board Members & Staff
Arts Alive is guided by a 19-member Board of Directors, supported by dedicated committees, and staffed by two part-time employees. Together, we work to provide high-quality arts programming for our community.
Robinson/Olsson Auditorium & Fine Arts Center
Visit us at:
1030 Thompson Ave, West Point, VA 23181
Located in the heart of West Point, the Robinson/Olsson Auditorium and Fine Arts Center serves as the primary venue for our performances and events. This state-of-the-art facility provides a welcoming space for audiences to connect with the arts.
Why Choose Arts Alive?
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Inclusive Arts Programming: We believe the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background.
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Commitment to Excellence: From professional performances to engaging workshops, we deliver high-quality experiences.
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Community-Centered Approach: Every program is designed to enrich and unite our local community.
History of Arts Alive
Arts Alive, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 with the goal to bring the visual and performing arts to the communities of King and Queen, King William, the Town of West Point, and New Kent. At the time there was a local fundraising effort along with the Town of West Point and West Point Public Schools (WPPS), an arts center was established on the school campus. The art center included new art, band, and choir classrooms, along with a 500-seat auditorium for both school and community use.
This expansion inspired a group of local citizens, artists, performers, and musicians to formally organize in partnership with the Town and WPPS, leading to the creation of Arts Alive, Inc.—a non-profit arts organization governed by a board of directors, supported by volunteer committees, and staffed by one paid employee.
The organization's performance series is held in the Robinson/Olsson Auditorium and Fine Arts Center. Since its founding, Arts Alive, Inc. has presented more than 110 performances for subscribers and patrons.
C. Herbert Brown, Jr., a WPPS band director and principal, served as the first President of Arts Alive, Inc. with Andrew J. Conklin, Mayor of West Point, as Vice President. Each now has an annual scholarship awarded in their honor: the C. Herbert Brown, Jr. Performing Arts Scholarship and the Andy Conklin Visual Arts Scholarship, given to high school students pursuing degrees in the arts.
Today, Arts Alive, Inc. offers a robust season of performances, summer art and theater camps, workshops, and exhibitions. Its summer camps engage around 200 children each year. Local artists lead art workshops and showcase their work in community exhibitions.
Arts Alive Original Logo created by Mrs. Sue Kurfees, founding member of Arts Alive, Inc.