Access to art, whether on stage, in workshops or on display, is a hallmark of Wytheville, Virginia
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–APRIL 2022–Wytheville, Virginia, has quite a reputation. First, it is the only town in the world named Wytheville. Second, it’s well known as a convenient stop for travelers at the intersection of Interstates I-77 and I-81. But this Southwest Virginia destination has also become known for its vibrant downtown and one-of-a-kind attractions. And now, its reputation is growing as a place for those who love the arts.
Just off those busy Interstates, theatre lovers fill the seats of the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre (170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-0891). This 200-seat German-themed venue is known for its year-round offerings of “all musicals, all the time.” Each year’s series of Broadway caliber professional musical productions brings a diverse line up of live theatre productions to entertain fans of all ages. Patrons enjoy a four-course themed, plated meal before each performance. The Matterhorn Restaurant and Bier Garten round out the theatre’s entertainment options and offer even more enjoyment for patrons.
The Wohlfahrt Haus will soon be joined by another classic venue, currently being renovated in downtown. The historic Millwald Theatre (205 West Main Street Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3343) is being revived as a multipurpose entertainment and education venue to include movies, performing arts center and more. Built in 1928, the theatre originally boasted Vaudeville and “moving pictures” programming and was a community gathering place for decades. In 2003, the Millwald celebrated its 75th anniversary and was hailed as “Virginia’s longest continuously running theater.” Now, the main theatre and its balcony are being brought back to their original glory, resulting in a 500-seat auditorium with a new projection room, sound booth and state of the art sound and lighting equipment. This will be joined by a new concession area, gift shop, museum and classrooms, along with a restored marquee. The theatre is scheduled to open later this year and is expected to host movies, live theatre, concerts and educational programming.
Performing arts are just one part of Wytheville’s cultural offerings. There are also artists and craftspeople creating works and sharing their talents here. Laurel Creek Pottery (420 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-240-0442) is a pottery studio and folk-art gallery where artist Laura Abbey invites visitors to experience the artistry and heritage of the region. Laura is an Appalachia native who is happy to share her passion for the region and for art. Her specialty is creating barrel-fired pottery. In addition to her creations, Abbey displays a variety of other artists’ work and hosts demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
At Formato Fine Arts (100 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-920-4004) gallery owner Lily Formato can often be seen painting in the front windows on Main Street. This women-led art gallery was founded in 2018 and is located in a landmark building in Wytheville’s downtown. The gallery features exhibits of emerging and established local artists’ work, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and performance art. The gallery is committed to maintaining an emphasis on the representation of female artists.
At the Rose Cottage School of Art (570 East Spring Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-620-0303) visitors are invited to connect with their own artistic spirit and make unique creations of their own. The school hosts fine art and music classes, paint nights and a slate of creative workshops and camps. Rose Cottage also hosts a variety of visiting artisans’ workshops throughout the year.
While everybody knows Virginia is for lovers, it is clear Wytheville is for art lovers. To that end, three fabulous LOVEwork pieces can be found in Wytheville. Check them out at Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-621-4511), Downtown Wytheville (260 West Monroe Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 877-347-8307) and Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016). A visit to these unique works of art is a great way to round out a Wytheville arts and culture tour.
If you go
To understand the culture of Wytheville, a visit to the Thomas J. Boyd Museum (295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) offers the perfect introduction to this unique community. There are exhibits about the origin, the economy and leaders of Wytheville. In addition, the area’s African American Heritage Museum (410 East Franklin Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0042) and the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum (205 East Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) tell a variety of stories integral to Wytheville’s culture and development. As hometown to First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, this is also the site of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum (145 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3484). She was considered by many historians as the “Secret President,” playing a vital role in her husband’s presidency.