Community

Launched in 2019, Fashion As Art is an annual event series engaging the community with art, fashion, and The Fralin. In partnership with the museum’s Volunteer Board, local businesses, and student groups, the events not only grow awareness of the museum’s mission and programming, but also showcase the depth and breadth of artists and designers from our area and beyond.

Launched in the summer of 2021, The Fralin’s Little Museum of Art was inspired by a desire to engage with the community during the museum’s

Get a fresh perspective! University student organizations and community groups are encouraged to schedule group tours of the museum exhibitions and collection. Our docents are happy to tailor their tour to the interests of your group.

As volunteer museum educators, The Fralin docents serve the community by encouraging close-looking with original works of art, as they lead engaging and interactive tours for school groups and community organizations from across the central Virginia region.

Final Friday has been a favorite event of both students and the Charlottesville community for decades. Held on the last Friday of the month during the academic year, all are welcome to come and enjoy art, music, food, and a variety of activities, such as artmaking and student docent-led gallery talks. 

Experience the restorative power of art—join docent June Heintz for a 60-minute exploration of one work of art, including mindfulness practices, slow looking, and contextual information.

Writer’s Eye challenges writers of all ages to use visual art in The Fralin as inspiration for the creation of original poetry and prose. 

Each year, The Fralin holds Early Visions in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia. During the ten-week program, Club members are paired with a UVA student mentor working collaboratively on creative activities that encourage the participants to explore the museum's exhibitions and relate their discoveries to their own lives. Mentors and mentees learn about and from one another while making art together!

Continued exposure to art and music can slow the decline of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders.