THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, January 1, 1995                TAG: 9412300284
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS      PAGE: 08   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Cover Story 
SOURCE: Ida Kay Jordan 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   33 lines

WHAT'S IN STORE AT THE CENTER

The Visual Arts Center will work to become part of the Portsmouth community, Director Anne Iott said.

``We'll host events at the center, starting with the Second Tuesday Forum speaker scheduled Feb. 14,'' she said. ``And we'll have small music ensembles, poetry readings and other events in the galleries, where we'll have changing exhibits year around.''

Not only credit courses but the continuing education classes are expected to attract many Portsmouth residents who have not previously participated. In addition, the availability of the classes is expected to attract new residents to the city.

``I think it will create an environment in time,'' Iott said.

TCC President Larry Whitworth said the center should help the city's economic development efforts too.

``All downtown areas need new life and people,'' Whitworth said. ``Nothing can provide more a core than a school like this. You have to have people before you can get retail stores.''

In fact, TCC is arranging for retail stores selling books and art supplies to open near the new center.

Iott said the stores should be open within a few months. by CNB