Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Dedicates the TowneBank Gallery

Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman, (center) cuts the ribbon dedicating the TowneBank Gallery at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. 

Situated in the heart of downtown Suffolk, the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts (SCCA) cultivates and promotes creativity for residents and visitors of all ages. Whether taking in a musical production or play, perusing art galleries, or participating in a class or program, patrons can explore creative expression of all kinds.  

SCCA, located on Finney Avenue, served as Suffolk High School from 1922 until its closure in 1990. In 1998, a task force was formed to determine the future of the historic building. “The building was still full of life, beauty, and excitement. It was decided that it would be the perfect place to house the area’s only full-service cultural arts center,” says Dr. Thomas Yannuzzi, executive director and CEO of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. After a successful capital campaign and with support from the City of Suffolk, construction began in 2004, and the center officially opened in 2006.  

Since opening, SCCA has hosted several exhibits featuring local and national artists, as well as a variety of musical, dance, and theatrical performances. In addition, SCCA strives to meet the needs of the community through its outreach and education programs, offering summer camps and workshops for all ages.  

As the building celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2023, it became apparent that significant renovations and improvements were needed. “The center was in a state of disrepair, and, if it were to continue its next century of serving the community, major funding was needed to complete the necessary updates,” says Dr. Yannuzzi. In 2019, SCCA launched the silent phase of a $4.5 million capital campaign. TowneBank, alongside Birdsong Peanuts, became the first supporters of the capital campaign.  

“The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is an essential component to the revitalization of the downtown Suffolk community. Since its opening in 2006, the center has educated, entertained, and enlightened thousands of guests,” says Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman. “Through the campaign, the center will continue to inspire the community and enrich lives through the arts. TowneBank was pleased to partner with our friends at Birdsong Peanuts in kicking off the capital campaign to help ensure that the center can continue its mission and vision.”   

In recognition of the gift, SCCA’s West Gallery was renamed the TowneBank Gallery. A ribbon cutting was held in August to celebrate the first exhibit in the newly renamed space. Titled New Beginnings, the exhibit featured work from SCCA’s many talented instructors.  

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is gearing up for a spring and summer of new exhibits, events, and activities. 

To learn more, visit SuffolkCenter.org.