A Product of Vibrant Community Arts

The Tennessee Valley Art Association incorporated in 1964 for the purpose of constructing a museum and to provide arts programming for the people of northwest Alabama. The Tennessee Valley Art Center was constructed in 1972 on Tuscumbia’s historic Commons, property provided by the city. The Association added a performance series in 1978 that included Sunday concerts in local churches and other public venues. The Tennessee Valley String School and Suzuki School of Music were created to provide music classes for adults and children. Arts programming grew significantly over the next few years and included Center Stage Community Theatre (1980) and The Shoals Community Orchestra (1982). For five years, music and theatre programs rehearsed and performed at the Art Center in a single gallery amid changing exhibitions. In 1985, the music components incorporated independently as The Shoals Symphony and moved to a new home. Center Stage remained a part of TVAA and relocated to the Ritz Theater. In 1998, an Art Center expansion doubled exhibition space at the Art Center providing a workshop, art storage, and a permanent display for the prehistoric Martin Petroglyph. A plaza honoring TVAA founder, Ethel Davis, was constructed in 2008 and The Center was re-named The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art in 2009.

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Hours of visiting

  • Monday - Friday

    9AM - 5PM

  • About Us

  • The Mission of the Tennessee Valley Art Association is to provide cultural and educational performing and visual arts experiences of unequaled quality for diverse communities in Northwest Alabama with intention to further expression in and appreciation of all the arts. 

     

    Our Vision is to be an organization whose inspiring visual and performing arts programming is an essential part of everyday life for diverse populations of Northwest Alabama and to heighten public understanding and appreciation of art as an expression of the human experience. 

  • on view

    • Helene Fielder: Shapes of Things

    • Zack Underwood: Oil Paintings

    • Painted Pumpkins

The Ritz has been amazing, I’ve seen 5 shows here and participated in over 20 and I’ve loved every minute of it! - Forrest Pace

TVMA is a vital part of the community that provides the environment to grow and appreciate art . With each event and exhibit we are able to be a part of , we find inspiration and deepen our love and relationship with the ARTs.❤️ - Marianthe Snyder