History:
During 1949, a group of artists on the V.P.I. staff began talking about forming a small art group for the critical discussion of their own work. On January 13, 1950, a community art club was formed for those "interested in increasing the opportunities for enjoyment of the arts in Blacksburg." Among the founders were Dean Carter, Lucy Lee Lancaster, and John Laurent.

During 1950, The association's first exhibit was a showing of the paintings of Horace Day in February, 1950. Its first show after formal organization was a two-person exhibition held May 7 and 8, 1950, of sculpture by Dean Carter and paintings by John Laurent. An exhibit of VPI student art work was shown May 27-28, the same year.

During 1952, 'Regional' was added to our name in "1952 when the decision was made to become a chapter of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. By that time the membership had grown and now individuals from nearby towns and counties had joined and were attending meetings." (From Lucy Lee Lancaster's 1970 history - bottom-right)

During 1953, The VMFA Artmobile program was founded. The Association underwrote and staffed numerous yearly visits to Blacksburg through the program's close in 1994.

During 1955, The first annual Blacksburg Art Festival was held including an exhibition, a Dutch art auction, concerts, art movies, a Punch and Judy show, lectures and demonstrations.