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Don’t miss out – Exhibits closing at Piedmont Arts Oct. 11

October 9, 2025

Mark your calendar: New exhibits opening Oct. 24

Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, at Piedmont Arts. A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Live music by Amy Stuart and Regula Daily. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Exhibits on view:
• Peace Post
• Legible Earth: The Fire Tapestries | Leah Raintree
• Depicting the Moment: Paintings by Donald Towns
• Inspired Creations: Lynwood Artists

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, Oct. 22.

RSVP online

Exhibits closing Saturday, Oct. 11

  • What Memory Wears
  • In a Different Light
  • Eyes on the Wild

Learn more

News

Elliot Engel takes guests on a high-seas journey at Blackbeard talk
Dr. Elliot Engel gave a talk on the life of the infamous pirate Blackbeard to around 100 guests on Oct. 2 at Piedmont Arts.

The program sifted fact from fiction to reveal the real life of the 18th-century pirate who has fascinated the world for centuries. Engel detailed how Edward Teach, a quiet and educated man, transformed himself into the infamous pirate and became known as the “Scourge of the High Seas.” He pointed out that even though Blackbeard was one of the most feared pirates of his day, he never killed or tortured his victims. His fearsome reputation was heavily embellished through a clever public relations strategy and Blackbeard’s own penchant for theatrics and costumes.

This marked Engel’s 18th lecture at Piedmont Arts. He has spoken on subjects as varied as Robert Frost, Edgar Allan Poe, the history of the English language and the Brontës. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has taught at NC State University, the University of North Carolina and Duke University. He has written 10 books and numerous articles that have appeared in newspapers and national magazines. He has lectured throughout the United States and on all the continents, including Antarctica. His lecture series on Charles Dickens aired on PBS stations nationwide, and he was inducted into the Royal Society of Arts in England in 2009 for his academic work and service in promoting Dickens’ work.

Upcoming Events
Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, Piedmont Arts

Students attending Albert Harris and Patrick Henry elementary schools will have work on display in the Foster Gallery from Sep. 26-Oct. 31.

A free reception for the students and their families will be held from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Piedmont Arts.

Learn more

Educator Appreciation Night
4-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, Piedmont Arts

Local educators are invited to a special Educator Appreciation Night from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at Piedmont Arts. Enjoy light refreshments in celebration of your hard work and dedication.

This event is free and open to all education professionals in Martinsville-Henry County.

Learn more

Art Talk with Donald Towns
7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Piedmont Arts

Donald Towns will discuss his exhibit, Depicting the Moment, and his work at Disney, where he was involved in the making of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.”

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the galleries.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Learn more

Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, Piedmont Arts

Students attending Carver, Meadow View and Mt. Olivet elementary schools will have work on display in the Foster Gallery from Nov. 5-Dec. 5.

A free reception for the students and their families will be held from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Piedmont Arts.

Learn more

Christmas Tree Lighting
4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, Art Garden

Piedmont Arts will kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Art Garden Christmas tree. Enjoy holiday music, a visit from Santa, snacks and crafts.

This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular
3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, MHS Auditorium

There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. David Stewart Wiley conducts the Holiday Pops with all the magical elements you have come to expect — high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth.

Altrusa will collect donations of nonperishable food items for the Grace Network food pantry. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby during the symphony’s performance.

Tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.
WIC Passport Program participants receive free general admission tickets to the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular. To redeem this discount, just show your WIC card at the museum’s welcome desk or at the box office on the night of the event.

Buy tickets

Classes
Needle Felting
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4

Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Fun, Arts & Cultural

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