Flow Arts Programming Debuts at Petersburg Area Art League

By Kayla Putman · May 14, 2026 · 3 min read read

Petersburg Area Art League has launched Flow State Sessions, an open-format flow arts meetup held at its Art Park in Petersburg. The program brings together participants of all skill levels to practice movement-based performance styles such as hooping, poi, staff work, and LED flow tools in a shared music-driven environment. The series is led by Ally Clements and Kayla Putman, both affiliated with PAAL and active in flow arts practice, with Putman also serving as Gallery Development Manager at the organization. According to Putman, the initiative is designed to create a recurring space for community connection and accessible participation in flow arts, with programming aimed at supporting both local practitioners and newcomers. The next Flow State Sessions event will take place Sunday, May 17, from 6–8 p.m. at 7 E Old Street in Petersburg, Virginia.

PETERSBURG — Flow State Sessions has launched at Petersburg Area Art League, introducing an open-format flow arts meetup at the PAAL Art Park.

The inaugural session will take place Sunday, May 17, from 6–8 p.m. at 7 E Old Street in Petersburg, Virginia.

Over the past several years, Petersburg has seen increased activity in grassroots arts programming and independent creative initiatives, alongside established cultural institutions operating throughout the city.

Flow State Sessions is one of the newest community-based programs emerging from that environment.

The series is led by Ally Clements and Kayla Putman, both affiliated with the Petersburg Area Art League and active in flow arts practice. Putman also serves as Gallery Development Manager at PAAL. Clements works in stage production with local arts organizations and volunteers with the league.

According to Putman, Flow State Sessions is designed as an open-format meetup where participants of all skill levels can engage in flow arts practice. Attendees are encouraged to bring props such as hoops, staffs, poi, and LED performance tools to participate in shared movement and music-based activity.

Putman said, “The intent of the program is to create a recurring space for flow arts practitioners to gather, practice, and connect in a community setting.”

She added, “We are seeing an influx of young creatives getting priced out of Richmond and moving down here. Oftentimes, people are looking for community within their new settings, and this is an open invite to the flow arts community here in Petersburg. You do not have to live in or travel to Richmond just to practice and participate in the community.”

The format is structured as an open environment rather than a formal workshop or performance showcase. Music, movement, and participation occur in the same shared space, allowing individuals to engage as performers, observers, or both.

Flow State Sessions is part of PAAL’s broader community programming at its Art Park in Old Town Petersburg.

Flow arts refers to movement-based performance practices that incorporate object manipulation, including disciplines such as poi spinning and staff work. These practices are commonly associated with contemporary electronic music and festival environments and draw influence from Polynesian and Pacific Island movement traditions.

Within those spaces, flow arts often function as both individual expression and shared, participatory performance.

According to Putman, future iterations of Flow State Sessions may include expanded programming at the PAAL Art Park, such as open DJ deck sessions, varied sound environments, and installation-based activations tied to community programming.
Petersburg Area Art League Petersburg Area Art League is located in Old Town Petersburg near Croaker’s Spot Croaker's Spot.

Picture Credit: Kyle Witten, modernmanphotography