Bringing Arts to Campus and Community
In a remarkable milestone for the arts and education, the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University is celebrating its second birthday this month. As the magnificent facility marks this special occasion, its founders, George and Mary Torggler, are beaming with pride over its tremendous success and the positive impact it has had on the community and campus.
“I think it’s been very successful so far,” remarked George Torggler. “We are very, very pleased.”
The Torggler Fine Arts Center, featuring its iconic three cascading glass domes, has swiftly evolved into a regional hub where art, history, education, and community converge to enrich lives and broaden horizons.
“It’s been fabulous,” Mary Torggler exclaimed. “The facility is just outstanding.”
Longtime supporters of arts and education programs at Christopher Newport, the Torgglers have worked tirelessly to create distinctive opportunities for artists in both the performing and visual arts to thrive. This $60-million facility, funded by the state with additional support from private donors, is home to Christopher Newport’s Department of Fine Art and Art History. It also houses several galleries showcasing exhibitions featuring works from local, national, and international artists.
“The Torggler, with its stunning glass domes mirrors possibilities that the arts play in the vibrancy of our University community,” noted Dr. Michelle Erhardt, Chair of the Department of Fine Art and Art History. “It is a visible reflection of the University’s commitment to the arts.”
The Torggler officially opened its doors in October 2021, marking a new chapter in the Department of Fine Art and Art History’s story. “The Torggler has brought unprecedented opportunities for both students and faculty,” Erhardt continued. “It has enhanced our efforts to attract and recruit the best and brightest visual arts students to CNU.”
In its short existence, the Torggler has made a significant impact on the regional art scene. The combination of extraordinary architecture, high-quality exhibitions, and diverse community programming has elevated the cultural landscape of the region, offering new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Adjacent to the Ferguson Center for the Arts, the Torggler boasts an 83,000 square-foot space, including a 150-seat auditorium, a community gallery, and studio facilities. It houses several galleries, including the spectacular Anne Noland Edwards Gallery, which features major exhibitions.
Anne Noland Edwards, the gallery’s namesake, expressed her admiration for the Torggler, calling it “magnificent” and “inspiring” in both its construction and the exhibitions it has featured. The center has presented a total of seven exhibitions in the main gallery, five of which were original exhibits organized by the Torggler staff.
Since its opening, the Torggler has welcomed over 35,000 visitors and has showcased 15 exhibits in its three other galleries. It has become a beacon of cultural enrichment for both the campus and the community.
“The Torggler Center is great. It’s world-class,” said William Grace, who is delighted that the community gallery that bears his name gives local artists a place to exhibit their work.
The Torgglers’ vision for the center was to create a state-of-the-art facility focusing on art and art history, offering classes and enrichment for students and the community. Their dream has surpassed expectations, providing a dynamic space for emerging and established artists and free, accessible programming for all ages.
As the Torggler enters its third year, it continues to evolve and expand its impact as one of Virginia’s cultural gems. The Torgglers, along with the community, are excited to see what this exceptional center will achieve in the years to come.
“We have been totally impressed, right down to the exhibits,” Mary Torggler said. “The response and support from the community has just been phenomenal.”