Agora Downtown Market is a funky, indoor marketplace that brings 11 businesses under one roof to offer a unique shopping experience. What’s even more interesting is the collaboration that’s happening inside. Business owners appreciate being able to brainstorm creative product and marketing ideas with each other while working together to promote the space. Here's a glimpse of three businesses inside Agora that frequently share ideas and inspiration. more
On the first Friday of every month, families, couples, groups and individuals stroll downtown’s sidewalks, rain or shine, in celebration of the current month’s art openings. With approximately 30 participating venues — each featuring a separate artist — there’s no lack of variety anywhere in sight during Harrisonburg’s First Fridays. What began, in 2009, as a partnership between Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, the Virginia Quilt Museum, and Harrisonburg Tourism, as a biannual event, is now organized by the Arts Council of the Valley and embodies the arts-related culture that downtown residents observe on a daily basis. more
When you walk into Scott Whitten and Valerie Smith’s home, you’ll be greeted by Felipe, a papier mache lizard wearing a heart necklace and Elton John glasses. He seductively reclines on an end table, signaling visitors to relax and be embraced by the warmth of this home. And that I did, when Cara Walton and I dropped by for dinner. more
Larkin Arts is a little oasis located in the Southwest corner of Court Square. I walked in on a rainy, windy day; the soft music and comfy chairs couldn’t have felt better. I met with Valerie Smith, the welcoming owner of Larkin Arts store. Calling Larkin Arts a store is an understatement though. Offered there are classes for the public—inexperienced and experienced alike, studios for local artists to rent, and galleries for the public to enjoy. Valerie encourages people to wander in to the cozy gallery space during First Fridays downtown. more