The Spitzer Art Center . . .
Is a non-profit organization under the aspicies of 
Central Shenandoah Arts which is the Rockingham County affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  Since 1958 it has served as the “Virtual Art Center” of the Central Shenandoah Valley.  

Art For The Community . . . 
*  Bringing workshops and speakers from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to our area
*  Presenting workshops taught by our members in a wide variety of mediums/
* Providing classes to local children and adults, taught by members with diverse artistic backgrounds.

We Serve The Artists' Community . . .

• *  By encouraging local businesses to provide discounts on framing and art supplies to members

• *  By publishing news related to the local visual arts scene, showcasing our members.
• *  By focusing on the growth of the local art and culture in the Shenandoah Valley. 
• *  By giving our member artists ample exhibition opportunities. 
• *  By providing space that may be rented by artists as studio space. 

History of the Spitzer Art Center . . .
In 2002, Mary Spitzer Etter, a retired educator, left her family’s historic residence, her birthplace, Spitzer House, to Central Shenandoah Arts to establish a community Art Center and gallery. The Spitzer House is a two-story Victorian House in downtown Harrisonburg, a few blocks west of Court Square on the corner of West Market and Willow Streets.  Central Shenandoah Arts honors both Mary Spitzer Etter’s memory and her gift’s purpose  as a community arts center.  Much of the Spitzer House’s historic character is being retained, while a location dedicated to creativity. Volunteers have poured countless hours into maintaining the grounds and preparing the house to be open to the public.

History of the Central Shenandoah Arts . . .
The non-profit organization, Central Shenandoah Arts, traces its roots back over many years. Carnegie and Rockefeller Foundation award winner Crystal Theodore moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia in the late 1950’s to lead the Madison College (now JMU) Art Department. On the college grounds she found creative activity, however in the city she found no art on exhibit – and no art groups. Around 1960, she and organizer Jimmy Terrell, who was connectioned to the Virginia Museum, started the Harrisonburg Art Association. This Virginia Museum-affiliated program changed its name later to Rockingham Fine Arts Association.  Several years later, the name was changed to Central Shenandoah Arts.