[6] By 1961, VBAA began in earnest planning a gallery and community arts facility,[7] and by 1962 had grown its membership to 275.

"Alec" Jackson (1925-1981), [10] head of the art department of the Virginia State College in Norfolk, who had applied for VBAA membership prior to the 1962 boardwalk show.

The design, by Boston architect E. Vernor Johnson (1937-2017, museum specialist),[14] featured a copper-roofed entry walkway; reception; gift shop; administrative offices; classrooms; a 240-seat auditorium; 6,600 sf of gallery space; a 4,800 square-foot double-height atrium with skylights and live trees; exhibit support facilities, the latter including crate and exhibit prop storage, workshop, painting, art staging and storage areas.

In 1999, the facility expanded to include a secondary entrance housing a suspended 14' blown glass sculpture, Mille Colori by Dale Chihuly, relocated from the Biennale Aperto Vetro installation in Venice, Italy and funded with private donations.

[17] The addition also included restrooms, ancillary facilities and renovations to the existing mechanical systems and was designed by RRMM Architects; constructed by the MEB Group, and dedicated as the Rodriquez Pavilion after its prime donor.

Classes combined the Virginia Standards of Learning Goals with principles of contemporary visual arts through the use of props, costumes, artifacts, hands-on activities, and creative movements.

Students that participated got a guest pass that allowed them to come back to the museum and bring five friends and family members for free.