Community Calendar

Bringing his legendary humor, quick wit, and decades of entertainment experience to the stage, Jay Leno arrives at the Academy Center of the Arts on October 23 for an evening of stand-up comedy and unforgettable storytelling. From his iconic run as host of The Tonight Show to his acclaimed series Jay Leno’s Garage, Leno has become one of the most recognizable and celebrated voices in American entertainment.

Audiences can expect a fast-paced night of sharp observational comedy, hilarious personal anecdotes, and the effortless charm that has kept Jay Leno at the forefront of comedy for generations. Whether sharing stories from late-night television, life on the road, or his passion for classic cars, Leno delivers the kind of engaging live performance that leaves audiences laughing long after the curtain falls.

Welcome to First Friday at the Galleries
Celebrate the 2026 National Juried Art Exhibition
Join us on April 3, 5–8 PM for a night of creativity, reflection, and the power of artistic expression. This year’s juried exhibition features 39 artists from 13 states, showcasing works in a variety of media. The evening is an opportunity to explore contemporary art, meet the artists, and engage with thought-provoking work.

About the Exhibition

The 2026 National Juried Art Exhibition, curated by Heath Ballowe, highlights the technical skill, creativity, and unique voices of contemporary artists. Visitors can experience a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more, each work offering a fresh perspective and insight into the power of artistic expression.

Juror Bio:

Heath Ballowe earned an MA in Decorative Art, Design History, and Material Culture from the Bard Graduate Center (2022), an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design (2010), a collegiate teaching certification from Brown University (2009), and a BFA from Virginia Tech (2006). He has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and Moore College of Art and Design and has managed private and public art collections, including The Clay Studio cataloging project supported by The Luce Foundation for American Art.

Awards Ceremony

At 6:00 PM, join us as Heath Ballowe recognizes outstanding works from this year’s exhibition. Celebrate the achievements of talented artists from across the country and enjoy this special moment of recognition.

Event Details

The exhibition runs from 5–8 PM on April 3, with the Awards Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Catering will be provided by Market at Main, adding a welcoming touch to the evening’s festivities. The gallery is the perfect setting to meet the artists, enjoy curated works, and experience the inspiration of contemporary art.

Academy Center of the Arts welcomes Three Dog Night, one of the most successful and enduring bands in popular music history. Celebrating more than six decades of chart-topping success, the legendary group is known for its signature three-part harmonies and an impressive catalog of hits, including “Joy to the World,” “One,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “Shambala.” With over 50 million records sold and 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 hits, Three Dog Night continues to captivate audiences across generations through dynamic live performances that showcase the timeless music that defined an era.

Widely regarded as “the world’s most famous brass group,” the ensemble has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to television specials and international tours spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Blending dazzling virtuosity with engaging entertainment, Canadian Brass brings an eclectic repertoire ranging from Baroque masterpieces and jazz standards to Broadway favorites and contemporary works. With more than 130 albums, millions of records sold, and a passion for music education and innovation, Canadian Brass continues to redefine what a brass ensemble can be while delighting audiences of all ages.

Richmond's First Baptist Church is honored to host Canadian Brass. We hope you'll join us for this exciting and entertaining evening!

James & Joel – Featuring Clay Mottley
The Songs & Stories of James Taylor and Billy Joel
“James & Joel” is a show like no other. Imagine if James Taylor and Billy Joel shared the bill on one stage, and told the stories behind their great songs; that’s “James & Joel”. Featuring Clay Mottley on vocals, guitar and piano, “James & Joel” takes the listener through not only all the most beloved hits by both legends, but also stories from the studio, how the songs were created, and other fascinating bits of trivia about the songs we love so much. If that weren’t enough, Mottley also dives deep into the catalogs and pulls songs that perhaps fans haven’t heard before. Mottley perfectly captures the unique finger-style guitar playing that is sure to make JT proud, and a voice that doesn’t mimic the songwriter, but shares the emotion and nuance. It’s not an imitation, but something new that sounds so familiar. When Clay moves to piano, it’s just as honest a performance. His skills on piano showcase an authentic treatment of Joel’s repertoire, but with a feeling that these songs were brand new. And somehow, Mottley’s voice can carry the power of Joel’s anthems and ballads with honesty and authenticity.