Dr. Elliot Engel: Blackbeard! Pirate Enemy Number One
5:45 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. lecture, Thursday, Oct. 2, Piedmont Arts
Dr. Elliot Engel returns to Piedmont Arts with the lecture, “Blackbeard! Pirate Enemy Number One,” on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Many know that Blackbeard has one of the most fearsome reputations of any pirate in history. What is not always known is the astonishing story of how Edward Teach, a quiet and educated man, transformed himself into this infamous pirate and became known as the “Scourge of the High Seas.” Engel will provide the background, context and hair-raising details of Teach’s transformation into Blackbeard.
Guests are invited to attend a dinner with Dr. Engel at 5:45 p.m., followed by the lecture. Reservations for the dinner must be made in advance. Tickets to the dinner and lecture are $50. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the galleries and is open to the public. Tickets to the lecture alone are $25.
News
It’s the final day to submit your Public Input Survey
Survey open through Tuesday, Sept. 30
Community members are invited to complete a survey about their experiences at Piedmont Arts and how the museum can shape these experiences in the future.
Savory September brings the Wild West to Piedmont Arts
Around 150 guests kicked up their boot heels at Savory September: Wild, Wild West on Sept. 26. The fundraiser brought in more than $17,000 in support of Piedmont Arts programs in Martinsville-Henry County.
Congratulations to Michael Howlett, the winner of the 50/50 raffle.
Thanks to all the chefs, volunteers, sponsors and guests who made this event a huge success.
Savory September chefs:
• Anne Compson, Mary Compson, Brad Johnson and Janet Lewis
• Be Wiched Diner
• Blanche and Tom Mahoney, Esther and Buz Schilbe and Barb and Guy Stanley
• Holly Burton and Tyler Lacy
• Jennifer and Marty Ingram, Ouss Sahhar and Kerry Smith
• Lori and Burr Fox and Julia and Blake Shumate
• Page Beeler, Cindy Edgerton and Beth Sibbick
• Rachel and Shannon Cox and Donna and Jimmy McGarry
• Susan Critz, Judy Dashoff and Marty Gardner
• TAD Tavern
Special thanks to Matt Boswell, Will Gravely, James Luedeman, Robin Robertson, Ashley Ullstein, Susan Warren and Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy.
Exhibits
What Memory Wears: Works by Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray
On view through Oct. 11, Piedmont Arts
Barbara Hardy and Bob Ray have been living and working together for more than 25 years. They are inspired by found objects, patterns and designs discovered in nature. Through their intimate, creative and artistic bond, they have created a diverse body of work full of rich textures and layered patterns.
In a Different Light: Photographs by Russell Hart
On view through Oct. 11, Piedmont Arts
Hart uses photography to explore the ways in which humans occupy and alter their environments and the landscape, but his photographs aren’t meant to be documentary or even realistic. “My work is based on observation,” Hart explains. “It doesn’t express a world view or share an intimate experience in the manner of so much contemporary art. It’s intended to show familiar things in a new way.”
Eyes on the Wild: Photography by Artemisia Blankenship
On view through Oct. 11, Piedmont Arts
Blankenship became passionate about photography while pursuing a career in fashion. Wildlife became one of her favorite subjects. She greatly enjoys photographing the animals she sees while taking long walks and views the images with a race of excitement, becoming truly lost in time discovering the magical beauty of every different species. She feels that the most meaningful way to capture the divine spirit and essence of wildlife and honor its existence on our planet is by sharing her images with others. Her favorite places to shoot are in the Florida Everglades, the coastal regions of North and South Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
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.
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. A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Exhibits on view:
• Peace Post
• Legible Earth: Leah Raintree
• Depicting the Moment: 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.
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.
Classes
Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2
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
