Bus to Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo
10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 4, DPAC
Take the Bus to Broadway to a matinee production of “Kimberly Akimbo” at Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, N.C.
The winner of five Tony Awards including one for best musical, “Kimberly Akimbo” is a hilarious and heartwarming story about growing up and growing old, in no particular order.
The van will depart at 10:30 a.m. from Piedmont Arts for a 1 p.m. performance at DPAC. Tickets are $180 per person. A boxed lunch is available for an additional $10 and must be ordered in advance.
Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey
6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 8, Piedmont Arts
This gripping and realistic tour de force chronicles actor and playwright Debra Ann Byrd’s journey from a single mother in Harlem to an award-winning classical actor tackling the role of Othello.
A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.
News
Art scholarship applications due Wednesday, April 30
Nicodemus Hufford Memorial Art Scholarship
• For graduating high school seniors from Martinsville or Henry County
Harold Knowlton Work Memorial Art Scholarship
• For rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors from Martinsville or Henry County
Additional entry date added for ‘Expressions 2025’
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, May 15, Piedmont Arts
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 17, Piedmont Arts
An additional entry date has been added for “Expressions 2025.” Artists living within a 100-mile radius of Martinsville may now enter work from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 in addition to the previously set date of Saturday, May 17.
The exhibit will be judged by Gretchen Carr, gallery manager at Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, W.Va. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in seven categories, as well as purchase awards, the Lynwood Artists Award and Best in Show.
Artists should review the complete entry rules before submitting work. Download an entry form for complete entry guidelines.
On View
Threads, Folds & Rabbit Holes
On view March 29-May 10
This exhibition includes works from the series “Holidays Unfolding” and “Through the Veil” by Kristy Deetz. Within these bodies of work, she explores new possibilities between a complex interface of painting, textiles and digital technology while producing an end product that maintains the richness of slow work wrought by hand. Working in fiber and investigating the historical use of decorative drapery and still life, she examines the contradictory feelings often accompanying loss or nostalgia.
Untethered: An Exploration of Emotion
On view March 29-May 10
With a keen eye for detail Pieter Bain transforms raw wood into captivating sculptures. Each piece is a dialogue between the artist and the natural world and an exploration of the wood’s inherent character and the vision it inspires. Bain describes his process as both meditative and transformative. He seeks to honor the tree’s journey by breathing new life into its form.
Peaceful Creation: Nature’s Brilliance on Land and Water
On view March 29-May 10
The Lynwood Artists Gallery features intricate drawings on scratchboard by Lee Farley. His work is produced by removing pigment from scratchboard using razor-sharp instruments. He then overlays acrylics and inks applied with airbrush to create surreal effects. His work focuses on relaxing, serene imagery that offers an escape from everyday life.
Upcoming Events
Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, Piedmont Arts
Students attending Axton, Sanville and Stanleytown elementary schools will have work on display April 15-May 10 in the Foster Gallery.
A free reception for the students and their families will be held from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 at Piedmont Arts.
Farewell Reception for Pedro Szalay
3-5 p.m., Friday, May 2, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts for a farewell reception in honor of Pedro Szalay. Szalay is retiring from Southwest Virginia Ballet at the end of June. He has served as the ballet’s artistic director for more than 18 years. Szalay has impacted the lives of many youth and adults in Martinsville-Henry County through programs like Minds in Motion, Dance Español and Dancing for the Arts.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP attendance by Wednesday, April 30.
Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, May 30, Piedmont Arts
Join Lynwood Artists and Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of “Expressions 2025” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the museum. An awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the galleries. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, May 28.
Leaping Tall Buildings: The Origin of American Comic Books
6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 12, Piedmont Arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts educator Christopher Irving will read from his book “Leaping Tall Buildings” and present a slideshow of comic book creator portraits ranging from Joe Simon, the co-creator of “Captain America,” to emerging talent in the comic book field.
Irving is a comic book and popular culture historian. He received a BFA in arts education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a MA in literary criticism from Brooklyn College. He currently serves as consulting editor of the magazine, “Comic Book Creator.”
A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, June 11.
Co-hosted with Starling Avenue Cards and Comics in partnership with VMFA Statewide Programs.
Clyde Hooker Awards
5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, Piedmont Arts
Piedmont Arts will honor Marty Gardner and VisitMartinsville for their support of the arts at the 23rd annual Clyde Hooker Awards.
The museum will also recognize Arts in Education Award recipient Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County, and the recipients of the Nicodemus Hufford and Harold Knowlton Work Memorial Art Scholarships.
The awards ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of an admission cost, please consider making a donation to the Piedmont Arts Scholarship Fund here. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Tuesday, June 17.
Classes + Summer Art Camps
Chix with Stix
Second and fourth Tuesdays
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Open Studio
Every Wednesday
1-4 p.m.
Bob Ross Workshop
Thursday, May 1
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Needle Felting
Friday, May 2
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wee Create!
Tuesday, May 6
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Heirloom Flower Pot
Saturday, May 31
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Needle Felting
Friday, June 6
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Art Camp
Grades 6-8
June 9-13
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Art Camp
Grades 3-5
June 23-27
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
