Aurora Studio Center

In the heart of Roanoke, Virginia's vibrant Downtown Arts District, stands the Aurora Studio Center, a truly unique and dynamic urban arts space. More than just an art gallery, Aurora Studio Center is a dedicated hub designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. It's a testament to the power of artistic expression, offering a versatile environment for artists, performers, and the public alike. Housed within a recently renovated historic Art Deco building, Aurora Studio Center seamlessly blends classic architecture with modern amenities, creating an inspiring backdrop for all its endeavors. Its core mission is to actively connect and promote the local community of artists, providing accessible and low-risk opportunities for them to build their creative businesses and share their talents with the wider Roanoke Valley. Whether you're an art enthusiast looking to explore new exhibitions, an artist seeking studio space, a dancer needing rehearsal facilities, or simply someone looking for a unique event venue, Aurora Studio Center welcomes you into its bright and artistic embrace. It’s a place where light literally plays a central theme, with a dramatic 75-foot skylight illuminating all levels of the building, creating an invigorating atmosphere for creativity.

Aurora Studio Center is prominently located at 110 Campbell Ave SW #1, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA. This prime address places it squarely within Roanoke's bustling Downtown Arts District, making it an easily accessible destination for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas of Virginia. Campbell Avenue SW is a well-trafficked and recognizable street, ensuring that visitors can find the center with ease.

Accessibility is a key advantage of its downtown location. For those driving, there are numerous nearby parking options, including the Church Avenue Garage, Warehouse Row Lot, and Premium Parking Pollard Lot, all within a short walking distance. This convenience helps alleviate common urban parking concerns, encouraging more visitors to experience the center.

The Aurora Studio Center also boasts excellent walkability, with a Walk Score® of 89 out of 100, indicating that most errands can be accomplished on foot. This is a significant benefit for local residents who enjoy strolling through downtown Roanoke. Furthermore, the area has a "Good Transit" score, with many nearby transportation options, and a "Very Bikeable" score, featuring a variety of bike paths and lanes, making it accessible for those who prefer alternative modes of transport. The building is less than a block from the Smart Bus, which connects daily to Blacksburg, and also close to Amtrak services to Lynchburg and beyond, expanding its reach for visitors from further afield in Virginia. Its proximity to other downtown attractions, such as the Historic Farmer's Market, City Market Building, public library, museums, shops, and dining establishments, makes it a convenient stop as part of a larger downtown Roanoke experience.

Aurora Studio Center offers a diverse array of services, catering to artists, creative professionals, and the general public, establishing itself as a multi-faceted resource in the Roanoke arts community:

• Professional Fine Arts Gallery: A dedicated space for exhibiting and promoting fine art, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work to the public.
• Pop-Up Gallery: Flexible exhibition space available for short-term shows, events, and artistic collaborations, encouraging dynamic and evolving artistic presentations.
• Studio Classrooms: Versatile spaces designed for art classes, workshops, and educational programs across various disciplines. These classrooms are equipped to support hands-on learning and artistic development.
• Dance Studio: Featuring maple sprung floors and mirrors, this dedicated space is ideal for dance classes, rehearsals, and performance arts training. It offers natural light and access to changing rooms and a kitchenette.
• Rehearsal Space: Available for performers, musicians, and theater groups, providing a professional environment for practice and preparation.
• Individual Artist Studios: Secure and private workspaces for artists to rent, offering a dedicated environment for creative production and fostering a community of resident artists.
• Collective Work Lounge: A shared communal area designed for artists and creatives to network, collaborate, and relax, fostering a sense of community among occupants.
• Meeting/Event Space Rental: The entire lower level gallery, lounge, kitchenette, and restrooms are available for rent hourly or daily. This space is suitable for a wide range of public and private events, including:
  • Private Parties
  • Cocktail Hours
  • Formal Business Events
  • Creative Gatherings
  • Catered Events (ideal for catering and bar setups)
• Conference Room Rental: A dedicated space for meetings, presentations, and smaller group discussions, equipped with a flat-screen TV (smart TV) and Wi-Fi.
• Exhibition Opportunities: Aurora Studio Center actively provides "low cost and low risk opportunities" for artists to exhibit and build their creative businesses.
• Community Engagement: By offering versatile spaces for rent and promoting local artists, the center acts as a significant contributor to the cultural vibrancy and community spirit of Downtown Roanoke.

Aurora Studio Center distinguishes itself as a premier arts destination in Roanoke through a variety of unique features and highlights that enhance its appeal to both artists and the public:

• Dedicated Urban Arts Space: It is explicitly designed as a comprehensive urban arts center, consolidating various artistic functionalities under one roof – a rarity that provides significant value to the local arts scene.
• Historic Renovation with Modern Amenities: Housed in an early 20th-century Art Deco building, the center beautifully blends historical charm with contemporary design and functionality. This creates an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing environment for all activities.
• Dramatic 75-Foot Skylight: A stunning architectural feature, the 75-foot skylight illuminates all levels of the building, bathing the interior in natural light. This enhances the ambiance of the galleries and studios, creating a truly uplifting atmosphere for creativity.
• Versatile Event Space: Beyond its primary arts functions, The Aurora offers unique and affordable downtown event space suitable for a wide range of public and private gatherings, making it a flexible venue for the Roanoke community.
• Support for Local Artists: A core mission of Aurora Studio Center is to connect and promote local artists by offering "low cost and low risk opportunities to build their creative business endeavors." This commitment to nurturing local talent is a significant highlight.
• Diverse Artistic Offerings: The inclusion of a professional fine arts gallery, pop-up gallery, studio classrooms, dance studio, rehearsal space, and individual artist studios means it caters to a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, from visual arts to performing arts.
• Flexible Studio and Classroom Rentals: Offering hourly and daily rental options for its studio classrooms, dance studio, and conference room, it provides flexible and affordable access to high-quality facilities for independent artists, groups, and businesses.
• Community-Oriented and Inclusive: The center promotes itself as "Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, and LGBT Friendly," indicating a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the community.
• Prime Downtown Location: Its strategic placement in the Downtown Arts District ensures easy accessibility to other local attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient and engaging destination for a full day out in Roanoke.
• Home to Cirqulation: The positive customer review specifically mentioning "Cirqulation" suggests that this aerial arts and movement program is a prominent and beloved part of the Aurora Studio Center's offerings, highlighting specialized and unique classes available on-site.

For those in Virginia interested in exploring the artistic opportunities or event spaces at Aurora Studio Center, you can connect with them through the following details:

Address: 110 Campbell Ave SW #1, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA

Phone: (540) 632-0594

Mobile Phone: +1 540-632-0594

For more detailed information on gallery hours, studio availability, class schedules, or event space rentals, it is advisable to visit their official website or connect with them via their social media channels for the most current updates and offerings.

For residents of Roanoke and the broader Virginia region, Aurora Studio Center is an exceptionally suitable and valuable local asset, offering much more than a typical art gallery experience. Its multifaceted nature and deep integration into the Downtown Arts District make it a compelling destination for diverse interests.

Firstly, its role as a "dedicated urban arts space" provides an unparalleled resource for local artists. By offering affordable individual studios, classroom spaces, and gallery opportunities, Aurora Studio Center directly supports the creative economy of Roanoke. This means local artists have a place to create, teach, and exhibit their work, enriching the cultural fabric of the city for everyone. For Virginians who appreciate local talent, this center serves as a direct conduit to discover and support regional artists.

Secondly, the sheer versatility of the space makes it highly adaptable to community needs. Whether you're looking for a unique venue for a private event, a spacious dance studio for a class (as evidenced by the "Cirqulation" review), or simply a quiet gallery to enjoy fine art, Aurora Studio Center can accommodate. This adaptability fosters a dynamic environment where various creative endeavors can coexist and flourish, making it a vibrant cultural hub right in the heart of Roanoke. The presence of specialized programs like "Cirqulation" also means locals can access unique fitness and performance arts training conveniently.

Furthermore, its commitment to being "Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, and LGBT Friendly" underscores its inclusive ethos. This welcoming approach ensures that Aurora Studio Center is a place where all members of the Roanoke community feel comfortable and encouraged to engage with the arts. It’s a testament to its role as a true community gathering place, fostering connection and shared experiences through creativity.

Finally, the strategic downtown location, with its excellent walkability and accessibility to parking and public transit, makes it incredibly convenient for locals to visit. It allows for spontaneous visits as part of a downtown outing, whether for a quick gallery browse, attending a class, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. For any Virginian seeking to engage with the arts, support local talent, or find a unique space for events and creative pursuits, Aurora Studio Center in Downtown Roanoke stands out as an indispensable and inspiring local gem.

Aurora Studio Center

110 Campbell Ave SW #1, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA