Art Brings the Community Together at Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education 

The Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education features work by local, regional, and national artists in the Baxter and Elaine Perkinson Jr. Art Gallery. 

From seeds planted in the 1950s by a local community theatre troop known as the John Rolfe Players, the vision for the Baxter Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education in Chester grew to reality seven decades later with its grand opening. 

Chelsea Buyalos serves as executive director and describes the journey. “For many years, the residents of Chester strongly believed that we needed a home for the arts. I remember when I was in high school being part of that conversation. We had many twists and turns and ups and downs, but the Perkinson Center is definitely an example of the resiliency that can be found in the arts. Now it is our job to breathe life into the vision that so many people championed over the years.” 

The Chesterfield Cultural Arts Foundation manages the Perkinson Center, which is named for Dr. Baxter Perkinson, a retired dentist, artist, and philanthropist. The planned opening during the Covid pandemic was a challenge, so the initial offerings at the center were limited, but Chelsea describes the 2022-23 season as a milestone. “We took our mission to bring the power of art to all and turned it into a mission in action.” 

The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education is one art center with three program areas – gallery, performance, and classes.  

The Baxter and Elaine Perkinson Jr. Art Gallery features a variety of local, regional, and national artists. “It’s a free gallery and open to the public,” Chelsea says. “I especially enjoy meeting people who are visiting an art gallery for the first time. And then hearing the reaction of others who know the story of the center as they excitedly remark, ‘I can’t believe it’s finally here!’” 

The performance activities at the Perkinson Center include musicals and plays performed in the 350-seat Jimmy Dean Theater. Named after the country singer and entrepreneur whose widow wanted his legacy to continue, the theater is home to a full season of shows including the Richmond Symphony, the Nutcracker, Richmond’s oldies vocal group Bak N Da Day, and Fiddler on the Roof.  

Classes include dance, music, theatre, and visual arts and are all popular at the Perkinson Center. “Whether you are a young child, a teenager, or a lifelong learner, we have classes that will ignite that spark within you,” Chelsea says. “Local artists teach the classes and it’s been a wonderful opportunity to bring art education to our community.”  

Chelsea is a Chester native and became executive director in 2022. “I am able to manifest my love for the arts into my professional career. It’s wonderful to carry the mission of the Perkinson Center forward. The arts connect communities and bring vibrancy to this area we call home.” 

Performances in the Jimmy Dean Theater feature something for everyone - from drums, musicals, and drama to the Richmond Symphony. 

TowneBank is honored to partner with the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education. Matt Clarke, TowneBank Chesterfield president, serves as chair of the board. “We made the choice to bank with TowneBank when we were transitioning from our capital campaign to an operational mission in action,” Chelsea says. “As we continue to grow and serve our community, our friends at TowneBank are always wonderful to work with. We are so grateful to be partnering with TowneBank.” 

There are a variety of ways to support the work being done at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education through monetary donations, supplies, and volunteering to serve as docents in the gallery or as ushers during performances. To learn more and for a list of upcoming events, visit PerkinsonCenter.org.