Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Programs

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Programs include visual arts classes such as Foundations of Art, Watercolor Painting, Manga and Anime Drawing, Acrylic Painting, and Foundations of Drawing. The programs also offer several sewing options, including Beginner Machine Sewing for Special Needs Individuals, Beginner Machine Sewing Class, Sewing for Kids – Day Camp, Intermediate Machine Sewing Class, Youth Beginner Machine Sewing Workshop, and the Stitch & Shade: Reversible Bucket Hat Sewing Workshop. Participants can also attend a Free Summer Movie Series and Free Summer Workshops & Classes, including free art classes and workshops for all ages.

• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Sewing and workshop options on select dates, including weekday evening classes from 6:00–7:45 pm and daytime workshops from 12:00–4:00 pm or 12:00–3:00 pm
• Price: Free Summer Movie Series; Free Summer Workshops & Classes; Free art classes and workshops for all ages

The mission of the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is to provide high quality cultural arts activities that will encourage innovation and partnerships among community and regional organizations, inspire the development of arts and life skills education, provide opportunities for performing and visual arts presentations, foster creative and diverse programming, be fiscally responsible, and provide a venue that cherishes the city’s youth and is inviting to all, thereby enhancing the quality of life in the community and throughout the entire city. The Newport News Community Gallery is a rotating exhibit featuring various local and national visual artists, and these gallery spaces hold various programs dedicated to continuing arts education in the community.

Last updated July 19, 2026.