John ‘Papa’ Gros
6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. concert
Thursday, May 28
Join Move to Martinsville, Music in the Box, and Piedmont Arts for an evening of New Orleans piano with John “Papa” Gros at Piedmont Arts.
Gros is a New Orleans pianist and singer-songwriter. For more than 30 years, he has served as both a keeper and translator of New Orleans music, blending funk, R&B, jazz, blues, rock, and Americana into a sound that is deeply rooted yet forward-looking.
Tickets: $20 per person. Cash bar.
Buy tickets HERE.
Powering the Arts Sustainably
New solar array installed at Piedmont Arts
Piedmont Arts is powering the arts sustainably with a new roof-mounted solar array.
The 146-panel array will help offset the museum’s carbon footprint by producing around 40% of its power. Along with the impact of HVAC upgrades and LED lighting installed in 2023, the museum will see significantly reduced electrical expenses — its largest monthly operating cost — while helping sustain the arts and the planet for future generations.
This project was a key component of the Growth and Restoration Campaign, which focused on strengthening the museum’s long-term fiscal sustainability, allowing more of its resources to support exhibitions, arts education, and community programs.
Honoring Supporters of the Arts
Clyde Hooker Awards
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 2
Piedmont Arts will honor DelShana LeGrant and 3rd Bay Café for their support of the arts at the 24th Annual Clyde Hooker Awards.
The museum will also recognize Arts in Education Award recipient Kourtney Merricks and the recipients of the Nicodemus Hufford and Harold Knowlton Work Memorial Art Scholarships.
RSVP attendance by Friday, May 29.
RSVP HERE
Call to Artists
Expressions 2026: America 250
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 13
Artists living within a 100-mile radius of Martinsville, Virginia, are invited to enter work in Expressions 2026: America250.
This open-entry exhibition, presented by Lynwood Artists and Piedmont Arts, honors the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Download an entry form with complete entry rules here.
Sponsor an Award
Celebrate the talented artists who enter work in “Expressions 2026: America 250” by sponsoring an award. Each year, artists take home more than $5,000 in cash prizes. By becoming a sponsor, you can make one or more of these awards possible.
Exhibition Highlights
Neither Here Nor There
On view through June 6
Explore the microcosm of the airport through paintings by Virginia Tech art professor Betsy Hale Bannan.
Accelerations
On view through June 6
Environmental changes are the center focus of this installation by East Carolina University art professor Lisa Beth Robinson.
Forty Years of Fabulous Fiber
On view through June 6
Featuring fiber arts by members of the Reynolds Homestead Weavers Exchange.
Hot, Fresh, Brioche … Knitting
On view through June 6
Knitting by “Expressions 2024” Best in Show winner Lauren Thornhill.
Classes + Camps
Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
First Thursday of each month
Learn Bob Ross’ famous technique with certified instructor Naomi Hodge-Muse.
Tickets: $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers.
Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesday of each month
Self-guided sessions provide a space to socialize while knitting.
Tickets: Free for members and $5 for nonmembers.
Yoga in the Galleries
6-7 p.m.
Second Tuesday of each month
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session with instructor Ally Snead in the galleries.
Tickets: $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
Summer Art Camp
Camps are a fun, hands-on way for elementary and middle school students to learn about famous art and artists from around the world.
Grades K-2 Limited spots!
June 8-12
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. each day
Grades 3-5 Limited spots!
June 15-19
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. each day
Grades 6-8
July 20-24
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. each day
Tickets: $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers.
