Blacksburg Sister Location
860 University City Boulevard (Suite 105), Blacksburg, VA | 540-553-2437 | Blacksburg@FACNRV.org
For 47 years, the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley has championed art and artists throughout the region. Thanks to the vision and generosity of Blacksburg entrepreneur Jane Bonomo, the dedication of local artists and supporters, including Nikki Pynn, and the recent addition of two talented staff members, the Center has proudly opened a second location in Blacksburg.
The new location showcases a curated selection of two- and three-dimensional art for sale and offers classes for children and adults alike. True to the Center’s mission to “foster an enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of all forms of art; promote art education; and encourage and support artists” across the New River Valley, the Blacksburg branch builds on the region’s rich artistic heritage while inviting participation from neighboring communities.
Nikki Pynn, who was instrumental in the development of the new location, shared, “We aspire to be a gallery that’s welcoming to many types and tastes. We wanted this space to serve as a local hub for discovering what’s happening in the arts throughout the New River Valley.” Reflecting that vision, the Center’s programs offer something for everyone, from introductory classes and skill-building workshops to hands-on experiences exploring new media. Supporting local artists remains at the heart of all we do: our goal is to understand their needs and help them move forward in their creative journeys.
The Fine Arts Center also proudly welcomes Dr. Katy Shepard as Director of the Blacksburg location. A local artist and philosopher, Katy formerly managed The Artful Lawyer in Blacksburg. Her work was featured in a 2024 solo exhibition “The Human Experience Project” at the Pulaski gallery. She brings extensive experience in the arts, arts administration, and organizational leadership. Katy is joined by the talented Ed Coe, and together they are shaping a welcoming and dynamic new home for the arts in Blacksburg.
Beginning November 5, 2025 our Blacksburg location’s hours of operation will change to Wednesdays through Saturday from 2 pm - 7 pm. Visitors will find ample free parking in Bonomo Plaza, and the facility is fully accessible. Class registration is now open, and we invite you to stop by, meet our team, and explore all that’s happening at this exciting new space for the arts.
Apply to become an exhibiting artist at the Blacksburg Sister Location on our application form.
Contact our Blacksburg location: blacksburg@facnrv.org, 540-553-2437, with any questions.
Meet the Director of the Blacksburg Location
Dr. Katy Shepard (she/they) joins the Blacksburg branch of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley with a passion for art, education, and community engagement. A Virginia Tech graduate, Shepard earned her Ph.D. studying the intersection of art and liberation with a focus on accessibility to the creative process. Shepard brings both academic insight and real-world experience to her leadership. A practicing artist of many years, Shepard is also pursuing an MFA at Radford University.
Over the past nine years, Dr. Shepard has taught at the university level and taken on many creative leadership roles. She has served as Manager of The Artful Lawyer Gallery in Blacksburg, Assistant Director of the Summer Residential Governor's School for Visual & Performing Arts and Humanities at Radford University, and previously owned The Artists’ Cradle teaching studio in Stafford, VA. She is also the owner of Scallywag Letterpress, a creative printmaking studio.
As director, Shepard is excited to continue building a gallery that is by the community, for the community—a space where local creatives and art enthusiasts can connect, create, and celebrate. Guided by the belief that art is what makes us human, her vision for the FACNRV Blacksburg branch centers on expanding access to arts programs and events, welcoming everyone—no matter their experience level—into the creative conversation.
