Ailey II dancers Jennifer M. Gerken and Xhosa Scott.
RADFORD — The weekend of Sept. 26–27 will be filled with arts events open to the public at Radford University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, including dance, painting, fashion and live performances, all open to the public.
The Virginia Watercolor Society will kick off the weekend with its 46th annual Juried Exhibition, opening Friday, Sept. 26, at the Radford University Art Museum in the Covington Center. More than 400 works were considered, with 120 selected for display. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Local artist Michele Walter, a co-chair of the society’s committee, helped bring the show to Radford.
“It’s professional, even international, artists who are bringing really great quality art to this exhibition,” Walter said. “I think everyone should come because how often do you get this much great art in one place?”
An opening-day reception will feature refreshments and the first public viewing of the exhibit. Juror Iain Stewart, an internationally known artist and instructor, is scheduled to attend.
The exhibition runs through Nov. 1. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.
Also on Sept. 26, Ailey II, the acclaimed second company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Bondurant Auditorium as part of the University Performance Series.
Radford is the fourth stop on a 39-city world tour, which runs through April 11, 2026, with performances from Kingston, Jamaica, to Baltimore, Maryland.
“This season is a celebration of artistic voices that push boundaries and inspire transformation while honoring Alvin Ailey’s timeless vision,” said Francesca Harper, artistic director for Ailey II. “The four works I’ve commissioned speak to identity, connection and the bold possibilities of movement today. I am excited for audiences far and near to witness these 12 exceptional dancers bring their creative passion and virtuosity to the stage.”
More information, including ticket details, is available at www.radford.edu/ups.
The arts celebration continues Saturday, Sept. 27, with the Fall Fashion Show hosted by the Department of Design at 2 p.m. in the Performance Hub of the Artis Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The annual show has become a favorite among attendees. Student designers create pieces that range from practical to conceptual, often modeling the garments themselves. Students from across the university frequently participate.
Immediately following the fashion show, a free visual and performing arts showcase will be held in the Artis Center’s Main Stage Theatre. Attendees can sample music and highlights from the upcoming season, including a scene from the play Moon Over Buffalo, opening Oct. 7, and a trailer for the annual Spooktacular event on Oct. 30.
Parking is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Sean Kotz for Radford University
Samples from the Virginia Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition opening at Radford University Sept. 26.
