News:
Community celebrates Black History Month at the annual African American Read-In
Piedmont Arts’ annual African American Read-In and Family Day brought a crowd to the museum on Feb. 7 in celebration of Black History Month.
The family-friendly event featured storytelling by Fred Motley, performances by the Kuumba West African Dance Company, and a special appearance by Miss Commonwealth 2026 Victoria Howard. Guests also participated in a public read-aloud, sharing books, stories, and poems by their favorite African American authors.
Members of Piedmont Arts’ Teen Arts Council prepared two crafts for the children in attendance and helped participants create a unity wreath and a beaded bracelet to take home. There were free giveaways sponsored by the Piedmont Arts Guild, and volunteers from event sponsor Carter Bank served snacks.
The event was sponsored by Brightspeed and Carter Bank and held in conjunction with the National African American Read-In. This initiative encourages communities to read together, with a focus on African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. It has reached more than six million participants worldwide.
Clyde Hooker Award Nominations
Honoring supporters of the arts in Martinsville-Henry County. Nominations are due Friday, March 13.
Art Scholarship Applications
Open to students from Martinsville-Henry County who are pursuing a degree in the arts. Applications are due Thursday, April 30.
Current Exhibits
American Watercolor Society
On view through March 28, Piedmont Arts
This annual traveling exhibition, organized by the American Watercolor Society, presents a carefully curated selection of works by many of the nation’s most accomplished watercolor artists.
The exhibition underscores the breadth, complexity, and expressive potential of watercolor as a medium. Spanning luminous landscapes, evocative portraiture, and dynamic abstract compositions, the works on view demonstrate both technical mastery and conceptual innovation, reflecting the continued vitality of contemporary watercolor practice.
Act II: Paintings by Gail Doyle Smith
On view through March 28, Piedmont Arts
Gail Doyle Smith is a visual artist based along the Brunswick River in coastal North Carolina, where the rhythms of water, marsh, and sky shape both her daily life and her artistic vision. Living on the river has provided Smith an enduring source of inspiration for paintings that depict tranquil coastal landscapes, shore birds, wildlife, and native flora with sensitivity and depth.
Opening Minds Through Art: Work by King’s Grant Residents
On view through March 28, Piedmont Arts
The Lynwood Artists Gallery features artwork by the residents of King’s Grant, including memory care patients participating in the Opening Minds Through Art program. This program provides a creative outlet for patients living with dementia.
Upcoming Events
Teen Arts Council Mosaic Workshop
6-9 p.m., Feb. 19 and March 19, Piedmont Arts
Teen Arts Council invites area high school students to take part in a two-session mosaic workshop with instructor Susan Hopkins from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 19 and March 19.
Participants will learn the vibrant art of mosaics and create a 23-by-6-inch sign of their own design. Participants should arrive with an idea in mind to make the most of their class time. All materials are included.
Tickets are $25 for the two-session workshop, and both sessions are required to complete the project.
Art Talk with Gail Doyle Smith
12:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, Piedmont Arts
Join the Piedmont Arts Guild for a special presentation by artist Gail Doyle Smith at 12:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, at Piedmont Arts. Smith will speak about her exhibit, Act II: Paintings by Gail Doyle Smith, which is on view at the museum through March 28.
For more information, contact Melody Margrave at mmargrave@piedmontarts.org.
Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts and the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County for a free reception celebrating students with work on display in the Foster Gallery from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at Piedmont Arts.
The exhibit features work by students attending Campbell Court, Drewry Mason, and Rich Acres elementary schools.
Dancing for the Arts 2026
3 p.m., Saturday, March 14, MHS Auditorium
Dancing for the Arts, the fabulous fundraiser for Piedmont Arts, returns to the stage at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Martinsville High School Auditorium.
In this dazzling dance competition, teams of local celebrities and community leaders compete in support of Piedmont Arts and the arts in Martinsville-Henry County.
Your votes support your favorite teams and raise money for important arts programs in our community.
DFTA teams:
• Katie Adkins + Brandon Johnson
• Shan’Tyia Hairston + Maurice Breedlove
• Tiffanie Hairston + Brian Hairston
• Sarah Hodges + Kasey Lucas
• Elizabeth Huerta + Alfredo Huerta
• Margie Price-Savedge + Christopher Janey
• Shatera Robertson + Louis Norton
• Melissa White + Al Herndon
Admission tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, and $10 for students in grades K-12.
Preschool in the Galleries
Wednesday, March 18, Piedmont Arts
Martinsville High School Jazz Band will perform at Preschool in the Galleries on Wednesday, March 18, at Piedmont Arts. Performances will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Reservations are required to attend a performance. To make a reservation for your preschool class, email Programs Coordinator Jennifer Gravely at jgravely@piedmontarts.org.
Mike Wiley: A Game Apart
Thursday, March 26, Piedmont Arts
Actor and playwright Mike Wiley will perform “A Game Apart,” a one-person play about baseball legend Jackie Robinson, on Thursday, March 26, at Piedmont Arts. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 7 p.m. in the galleries.
“A Game Apart” offers a powerful lesson of courage through dedication, perseverance, and leadership. The play provides a glimpse into Robinson’s life during the era of segregated locker rooms, whites-only hotels, and restaurants with only a back door for athletes of color to enter. Witness the struggles of a star player who was celebrated on the field but became a second-class citizen when he walked off the diamond.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.
Classes
Yoga in the Galleries (Chair)
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 5
Yoga in the Galleries
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, March 28
Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays
