R.R. Smith Center for History & Art

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Staunton Architecture Featured in September, 2007 Exhibit
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Historic Tax Credits
Since the Virginia state historic rehabilitation tax credit incentives were passed by the General Assembly in 1996, their use, in combination with federal historic rehabilitation tax incentives, has stimulated unprecedented private investment in Virginia's historic built environment, with many positive environmental, social and economic impacts. Creative use of the state and federal tax credits have made the costs of rehabilitating historic buildings competitive with the cost of new construction.

During the recent renovation, the R. R. Smith received $1.7M in credits; $610,031.31 through the Department of Historic Resources, State of Virginia and $1,109,796.13 through the National Park Service, Department of Interior.

Banner Contest Winners Announced

For Immediate Release

April 27, 2004, Staunton, Virginia -- The R.R. Smith Center for History and Art has announced the winners of the “Design a Banner” contest held earlier this year.

First place winner is Kelli Kiblinges, a seventh grade student at Stuarts Draft Middle School. Kelli is the recipient of a check for $50. Second place winners are Jamie Stark, also a seventh grade student at Stuarts Draft, and Jayne Gallagher, a sixth grade student at Shelburne Middle School in Staunton. They will each receive a check for $25. Margaret Miller is the art teacher for Kelli and Jamie. Susan Gutshall teaches Jayne.

Local artists in grades K through 12 were asked to participate in a “Design a Banner” contest. Requests for participation were sent to art teachers in Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, and Ft. Defiance. Students were asked to use the medium of choice.

The winning designs will be made into banners and prominently displayed on the flagpole that rests atop the cupola as the center nears completion next year.

Billie Guill, Coordinator
540-213-4664

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Public Tour of the R. R. Smith Center

Have you been wondering what’s happening at the Smith Center? Now is your chance to find out first hand.

The public is cordially invited to attend a “Hard Hat” tour of the building on Sunday, February 29, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The address is 20 S. New Street.

Snow date is March 7, 2004.

To make your reservation:
Contact: Billie Guill
540-213-4664

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R.R. Smith Center for History & Art Extends Banner Contest

January 14, 2004, Staunton, Virginia -- The R. R. Smith Center for History and Art is extending the invitation to artists in grades K through 12 to participate in a “Design A Banner” contest. Participants may use any medium. All entries should be submitted on an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper.

The R. R. Smith Center for History and Art, when complete, will house the only climate-controlled, high-security, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts affiliated galleries between Roanoke and Manassas. The building will house two galleries, on-site research facilities, classroom and conference rooms, a gift shop, a catering kitchen, and administrative offices for three local non-profit entities: Historic Staunton Foundation, Staunton-Augusta Art Center, and Augusta County Historical Society. The center, located at 20 New Street in the old Eakleton Hotel building, has recently undergone external renovations. Internal renovation is currently underway with a projected 2005 opening.

The winning banners will be prominently displayed on the flagpole that rests atop the center’s cupola. The exterior of the building, including the cupola and flagpole, have been restored to reflect architect T. J. Collins’ vision in his 1894 plans for the hotel.

Contest entries should be submitted to Barbara Coyle Holt, 547 Buttermilk Spring Road, Staunton, Virginia 24401. The deadline for submittal has been extended to 5:00 p.m., February 13, 2004. Three prizes will be awarded. First prize is $50.00. Two second prizes of $25.00 each will be awarded.

Contact: Billie Guill
540-213-4664

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R.R. Smith Center for History & Art Announces Banner Contest

December 2, 2003, Staunton, Virginia – The R. R. Smith Center for History and Art invites artists in grades K through 12 to participate in a “Design A Banner” contest. Participants may use any medium. All entries should be submitted on an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper.

Contest entries should be submitted to Barbara Coyle Holt, 547 Buttermilk Spring Road, Staunton, Virginia 24401. The deadline for submittal is 5:00 p.m., January 17, 2004. Three prizes will be awarded. First prize is $50.00. Two second prizes of $25.00 each will be awarded.

“We felt this was an excellent way to get the children in the area interested in our project and excited about what the center will mean to them once it is complete” said Don W. Wilson, President of the center’s L.L.C.

Contact
Billie Guill, Coordinator
(540) 213-4664

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L.L.C. Members

Currently, the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art is overseen by the Board of Directors of the R. R. Smith Center for History and Art Limited Liability Company (L.L.C.). The L.L.C. was established in 2001 to oversee the management, business and financial affairs of the R. R. Smith Center.

The following are members of the Board of Directors:

Ed Covert and Barbara Coyle Holt
Staunton Augusta Art Center Representatives

Bob Schreiber and John Moore
Historic Staunton Foundation

Katharine Brown and Nancy Sorrells
Augusta County Historical Society

Don Wilson and Frank Strassler
Non-Voting Members

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