Student artist offers free talk on Thursday
Art Talk with Lily Ebrahimi
12:30-1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23
Join the Piedmont Arts Guild for a special presentation by student artist Lily Ebrahimi.
Ebrahimi is a versatile artist with a diverse background in dance and visual arts. She is a senior at Community High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and a former dancer with both the Southwest Virginia Ballet and Star City School of Dance. Her artistic training includes studies at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Her work is on view in the Foster Gallery through Aug. 14.
RSVP by Wednesday, July 22.
Admission is free.
On View
Expressions 2026: America 250
On view through Aug. 14
Offering an innovative and meaningful artistic experience for artists and the community by transforming the milestone of America’s 250th anniversary into a platform for contemporary creative expression.
Admission is free.
Works by Lily Ebrahimi
On view through Aug. 14
Ebrahimi is a student artist with a diverse background in dance and visual arts. Her painting, “The Last of the Cherry Tomatoes,” won the Piedmont Arts Guild Special Student Award in “Expressions 2025” and a silver medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in 2026.
Admission is free.
These exhibits are sponsored by VisitMartinsville, Brightspeed, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Lynwood Artists, and What’s Your Sign.
Upcoming Events
Happy Birthday, America! Family Day
10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at this fun Family Day for all ages.
The birthday party-themed event will feature fun activities, including a bounce house, games, DIY party hats, and a red, white, and blue star scratch art craft. Snacks will also be available courtesy of Food Lion on Greensboro Road.
Admission is free.
‘Expressions’ Artwork Pickup
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15
Artists with work on display in Expressions 2026: America 250 should pick up their work between 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15. Artists should use the museum’s front entrance when picking up their work.
Piedmont Arts will not assume responsibility for artwork that is left in the gallery after the designated pickup date. Any artwork, including that which has been purchased, will be removed from the premises if unclaimed after 30 days. All work must remain on display for the duration of the exhibit.
If you are unable to pick up your work on the designated date, email Director of Exhibitions and Marketing, Bernadette Moore, at bmoore@piedmontarts.org to arrange an alternative pickup date.
Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28
Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits. A gallery talk with “COLLECTive Concerns” curator and artist Reni Gower and Chris Gregson will be held at 6:15 p.m. Music by Joanie McPeak. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Exhibits on view:
• COLLECTive Concerns: Collage and Assemblage
• Chris Gregson: Novus Ordo Seclorum
• Bull Mountain Arts
RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Admission is free.
These exhibits are sponsored by Katie and Jack Adkins, Lucy Coleman, Olivia and Pres Garrett, Gale and Will Gravely, Melody Margrave, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Lynwood Artists, and What’s Your Sign.
Savory September: New York, New York
6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18
Big city flavors meet small town charm at this New York-themed fundraiser for the arts.
Local chefs will serve up small bites straight from the soul of the city: the corner deli, the late-night slice joint, the ballpark, and the legendary supper clubs of Manhattan. Pair that with custom cocktails and live music by Marie Anderson, and you’ve got yourself a party worth hailing a cab for.
Tickets: Admission is $65 per person and includes food and drinks. 50/50 raffle tickets are $20 each or $100 for six.
News
Voting is open for the ‘Expressions 2026’ People’s Choice Award
Guests are encouraged to visit the galleries to vote for the “Expressions 2026: America 250” People’s Choice Award before the exhibit closes on Aug. 14. The winner will be announced the following day.
Franks + Dranks beats the heat with summer fun
Franks + Dranks brought loads of summer fun to Piedmont Arts on July 17.
Despite the soaring temperatures, guests turned out in force and enjoyed an unforgettable performance by singer-songwriter William Nesmith. His energetic mix of pop, funk, and R&B had the crowd dancing and singing along throughout the evening.
All-star chefs Shane Pinkston and Will Gravely were on hand to serve up hot dogs and all the classic fixings, making for the perfect summer meal.
This event was sponsored by Burton & Company.
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.
Yoga in the Galleries
6-7 p.m.
Second Tuesday of each month
Enjoy a relaxing traditional or chair yoga session with instructor Ally Snead in the galleries.
Tickets: $10 for members and $15 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.
Indigo Shibori Workshop
1-4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Experience the magic of natural indigo dyeing with instructor Jennifer Reis.
Tickets: $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers.
