FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 30, 2026)
William King Museum of Art has received a special appropriation of $397,000 from Washington County, VA to finish the Lower Campus project. Work will begin on the campus this spring and be completed by mid-summer. This project is part of the transformation of the museum’s 20-acre site into an arts campus and community park.

“Everyone associated with William King Museum of Art joins me in sincere gratitude for this generous gift. It provides the final funding needed to proceed with the renovation of the Lower Campus, transforming it into a community park for everyone.” – Betsy K. White, Executive Director, William King Museum of Art.

These campus upgrades are pivotal in growing WKMA’s capacity to use art and nature together in arts and conservation education initiatives for all ages. The museum will soon be opening a new wing to house the Worrell Collection of Wildlife Art. The collection’s focus on wildlife complements the museum’s mission to cultivate environmental respect through artistic expression. In conjunction with the opening of the new wing and lower campus, WKMA will offer educational classes for youth and adults focusing on wildlife and nature.

The Lower Campus will include sculpture placed in native plant gardens, trails and footpaths, amphitheater, events lawn, and entry plaza. The native planting palette references regionally specific plant communities, strengthening WKMA’s connection to its natural setting. Visitors will have a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Wolf Josey Landscape Architects, designers of the campus, are located in Charlottesville, VA and focus on public, academic and large garden projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Their past projects include the gardens at the President’s House at Carr Hill, University of Virginia and the Wharf at the Southwest Waterfront, Washington D.C.

Additional funding for the $1,360,000 Lower Campus project comes from Appalachian Regional Commission, the Morgan Foundation and other donations. The Upper Campus and new wing housing the Worrell Collection of Wildlife Art are being funded through a gift from the charitable organization established by the estate of Gene and Anne Worrell.