We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between Formato Fine Arts and the Wytheville Opera Company. This collaboration will bring opera performances and other cultural events to the heart of downtown Wytheville, VA, as the Wytheville Opera Company hosts its performances in the historic gallery space at 100 West Main Street.
Formato Fine Arts, a women-led gallery founded in 2018 by local artist Lily Formato, has long been committed to uplifting both emerging and established artists in the region. Known for its dedication to showcasing boundary-pushing works and spotlighting female-identifying artists, Formato Fine Arts has earned its reputation as a cultural hub, hosting diverse events that range from art exhibitions to drag performances. This new partnership with the Wytheville Opera Company marks an exciting expansion of its commitment to community engagement and the arts.
The Wytheville Opera Company, helmed by Creative Director Holly Montgomery, is the revival of an original opera company that graced Wytheville in 1895. While the company’s original venue on Church and Spring Streets was lost to fire in 1933, the Wytheville Opera Company is making a powerful comeback almost a century later. Under Holly’s leadership, the company is dedicated to bringing musical performance arts back to the community, with an emphasis on education, creativity, and pop-up performances that breathe new life into classic works.
This collaboration goes beyond sharing a physical space; it represents a shared vision for bringing the arts into the daily lives of Wytheville residents and creating a thriving cultural scene in Southwest Virginia. Formato Fine Arts is committed to supporting this endeavor by promoting opera events across its channels and coordinating with the Wytheville Opera Company to create seamless experiences for art and music lovers alike.
“We are incredibly excited to host the Wytheville Opera Company’s performances at our gallery,” says Lily Formato, founder of Formato Fine Arts. “Both of our organizations share a deep commitment to enriching Wytheville through the arts, and this partnership is a natural extension of that mission. We look forward to seeing our gallery transform into a stage for timeless performances and creative expression.”
Holly Montgomery, Creative Director of the Wytheville Opera Company, echoes Lily’s enthusiasm: “Returning to the heart of Wytheville with a renewed vision and the support of such a cherished institution is an honor. Formato Fine Arts is the perfect place to bring opera to new audiences and reimagine the role of performance in our community. Together, we’re excited to build a legacy of art, music, and shared experiences that will define this new chapter for Wytheville.”
Both Formato Fine Arts and the Wytheville Opera Company invite all residents and visitors to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion. Expect inspiring performances, creative workshops, and a fresh wave of culture in downtown Wytheville. Follow us for updates, event details, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as we bring opera and visual art together in a one-of-a-kind setting.
We are incredibly proud to launch this collaboration and to be part of Wytheville’s rich tapestry of arts and culture. Here’s to building connections, creating memories, and setting the stage for a bright artistic future together.
For regular updates, follow the Wytheville Opera Company and Formato Fine Arts on Facebook.
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