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CENTER INFO
ABOUT THE PERKINSON CENTER FOR THE
ARTS & EDUCATION
Bringing the power of art to ALL!
Managed by the Chesterfield Cultural Arts Foundation (CCAF), the Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education is the region's first public performing and visual arts center to be built from the ground up in the last century.
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he venue is more than 20,800 square feet and houses:
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The 350 seat Jimmy Dean Theater & 35’ x 36’ stage with a 12k laser projector
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The Baxter & Elaine Perkinson Jr. Art Gallery
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A 1,250 square foot multipurpose Education Center with attached patio
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A 520 square foot classroom
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And for touring artists: green room, ensemble dressing rooms, and star dressing rooms
The Perkinson Center features a variety of artists and performers from around the region and around the world. The venue is also a world-class location for all of your special event needs, whether a wedding, a private party, or corporate work function, guests can immerse themselves in the arts in every space throughout the center. See more about renting the facility here.
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ABOUT CCAF
The Chesterfield Cultural Arts Foundation (CCAF) is a private 501(c)(3) charged with the responsibility of managing and maintaining the Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education. In conjunction with Chesterfield County, the CCAF began construction of the Perkinson Center in June 2019. As the first newly-constructed community performing and visual arts center in Chesterfield County, the Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education stands to set new precedents for arts and culture in the Richmond region while expanding new opportunities to engage in arts and culture in the Tri-Cities.
The heart of the Foundation is composed of Chesterfield business leaders and community members who are dedicated to the vision and mission to transform and enrich our community by providing an intimate experience with the arts across generations and across the region that inspires the exploration of curiosity, creativity, and culture.
Partners in the Arts
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2023-24 Board Members
Matt Clarke, Chairman
Sarah Snead, Vice Chairman
Gary Armstrong
Chris Badura
Bonnie Cauthorn
Carrie Coyner
Ashley Hall
Dr. Mike Mabe
Suzanne Mallory-Parker
Ken Oxendine
Dr. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. D.D.S
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The Building Board
2014-2020
Thanks to the service of the following board members, the Perkinson Center now exists today:
Elizabeth J. Matthews (deceased)
Hugh Cline
Clem Carlisle
Sam West
Tam Moody
Gail Letts
Lane Ramsey
Jane J. Baskerville, Ph.D.
George Emerson
Jim Daniels
James A. “Jimmy” Jacobs
PC Amin
C.F. Sonny Currin
Sue Ann Messmer
Amanda King
Brennen Keene (Legal Representative)
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We are grateful to the citizens of Chesterfield County for supporting this multi-million project. In addition to the county's partnership, many financial donors have played a significant role in the building of the Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education. The following patrons contributed $10,000 or more to ensure the construction.
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TOP FINANCIAL DONORS
$1,000,000+
Chesterfield County
W. Baxter and Elaine Perkinson
$100,000+
Donna Dean Stevens and Jayson Stevens
​Mary Morton Parsons Foundation
The Cabell Foundation
WestRock
$50,000+
Hugh & Debbie Cline
Cameron Foundation
Mildred House Estate
James A. (Jimmy) Jacobs
In Honor of Joseph and Jacquelin Ukrop
Greg and Linda Gwaltney
$20,000+
Family of Dorothy and Larry Armstrong
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. E. Angus Powell
Lane and Paula Ramsey
J. Dale Patton
Jim Daniels and Courtney Wells
Elizabeth (Betty) Matthews
TowneBank Richmond Foundation
Earle Spencer Jr
George and Darlene Emerson
Phil and Kathy Roper
Una Harrison
Rotary Club of South Richmond
Pramod and Purnima of Shamin Hotels
Family of the Allen Tire Company
C.F. (Sonny) Currin Jr
Friends of Chesterfield County Library
Sam and Anne West
Richard and Monique Smith
Carol & Clarence William | Estes Express Lines
In Honor of Harry J. and Lorraine B Moody
Kiwanis Club of Chester
Rudy L. Hawkins Electrical Contractor
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
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$10,000+
Brad and Frazier Armstrong
Gary and Sherrie Armstrong
Rotary Club of South Richmond Endowment
Darrell and "Boozie" Martin
Dominion Energy
Rotary Club of Chester
Herbert Gill
Bruce Spencer
Lee Hanbury
Clem and Janis Carlisle
RENTALS & TOURS
Wow your guests at every step when you choose to share your special event at the Perkinson Center. If you are interested in renting the center, please see our rental rates here.
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Most tours are given Monday-Friday, however special accommodations can be made for weekend tours. To schedule a tour of the venue, please reach out to us here.