Two New Exhibits Launch the New Year at the MHC Heritage Museum

The MHC Heritage Museum is ringing in the new year with two exciting new exhibits that celebrate speed, style, and the stories that shaped Martinsville-Henry County. Beginning Friday, January 9, visitors can explore “From Still to Speed: A History of NASCAR” and “A History of Setting Style.”

Both exhibits will debut with a free public reception Friday, January 9th from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 1 E. Main Street in Martinsville. Admission is free for members, with regular admission rates applying for non-members. Guests can enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while being among the first to experience these captivating exhibits.

From Moonshine to Motorsports: The Roots of NASCAR

Stock car racing has deep roots in Virginia and the Carolinas—born not on racetracks, but in the hills and valleys where moonshine stills once operated. During the early 1900s, and especially throughout Prohibition (1920–1933), bootleggers modified their vehicles to be faster and stronger in order to outrun law enforcement.

What began as necessity soon turned into competition. Drivers raced their souped-up cars against one another for fun, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become NASCAR.

The evolution of stock cars has been nothing short of remarkable. At NASCAR’s first official race in 1949, vehicles averaged 68 miles per hour over 200 laps. Today, the stock car speed record stands at 244.9 miles per hour, set in 2007 by a car built by Joey Arrington.

Arrington is now working on a new car with the ambitious goal of reaching 250 miles per hour, commemorating the 250th anniversary of both Virginia and the United States.

Stock Car Speed with Lex Hairston

The design and graphics for Arrington’s latest speed machine are being created by Lex Hairston of Streetribe Designs, who also serves as curator of “From Still to Speed.” Hairston’s exhibit dives deep into NASCAR’s thrilling history, highlighting legendary rivalries, family connections, and major technological advancements that transformed the sport.

Hairston is joined by Samantha Wall, a museum intern and student in the Historic Preservation and Classical Archaeology programs at the University of Mary Washington. Wall is a 2023 graduate of Martinsville High School and a 2025 graduate of Patrick & Henry Community College.

Setting Style: A Look at Mid-Century Elegance

Offering a striking contrast to roaring engines, “A History of Setting Style” explores the refined, formal lifestyles of the mid-20th century. The exhibit centers on the Fagg and Globman families, original owners of the three homes featured in this year’s Historic Garden Week tour hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV).

Historic Garden Week will take place Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and includes tours of:

• 928 Mulberry Road, home of Dr. James Julian
• 1 Dan-Lee Terrace, home of Dr. Andrew and Anna Gehrken
• 9 Dan-Lee Terrace, home of Dr. Ben and Debbie Lewis

The Mulberry Road home was built in 1936 by Martinsville pharmacist Dr. Bob Fagg and his wife, Katherine. A civic leader for decades, Dr. Fagg operated his pharmacy at the heart of downtown—Franklin and Main streets—across from the courthouse.

The Dan-Lee Terrace homes were built in the early 1950s by members of the Globman family, led by Abe Globman, often referred to as Martinsville’s “Merchant Prince.”

Martinsville’s Merchant Prince

Abe and Masha Globman arrived in Martinsville in 1915 as shopkeepers, raising their children in the family store where Masha cooked meals over a pot-bellied stove. Over time, the business grew into a retail powerhouse—reaching 120,000 square feet by 1961 and becoming one of the largest department stores in Virginia and North Carolina. It was also among the first to feature an escalator.

Shoppers traveled from miles around to visit Globman’s, which offered the latest fashions sourced from New York City and other major style centers. For generations, it was the place to shop for the newest trends.

Living (and Learning) the Style

Curated by the Garden Study Club, with assistance from Davis Scott, the museum’s Staff Aide, the exhibit brings this elegant era to life. MHC Historical Society Executive Director Holly Kozelsky also provided support and serves as the 2026 Historic Garden Week Chair.

“A History of Setting Style” features:

• Formal table settings with silver, china, and crystal
• Flower-arranging tools and mechanics—including gravity-defying techniques
• A spotlight on women’s clubs from the 1940s–1960s, a time when Martinsville and Henry County were home to dozens of garden, bridge, and book clubs

Visitors will not only see how people lived—but also learn how to recreate these styles at home. Instructional diagrams and take-home tutorial flyers explain proper table settings and floral design techniques.

Plan Your Visit

Reception RSVP:
mhchistoricalsociety@gmail.org
276-403-5361

Membership Information:
Visit the museum or explore memberships at mhchistoricalsociety.org/memberships

Historic Garden Week Tickets:

• Adults: $25
• Children (5–17): $15
• Ages 5 & under: Free
• South Region Combo Ticket: $75 (Martinsville, Danville-Chatham, and Roanoke or Lake Gaston)

Advance tickets will be available at the MHC Heritage Museum starting January 9, and online beginning February 16 at gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tickets/.

The post Christmas Music Program, Opening Reception, plus your first look at this year’s Historic Garden Week appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Celebrate the season of giving with a gift that sparks creativity all year long

As we close out the year, we invite you to help keep the arts vibrant in Martinsville-Henry County.

Your year-end gift supports exhibitions, performances, and arts education programs that spark creativity, bring our community together, and open doors for learners of all ages.

With your generosity, Piedmont Arts can continue offering meaningful cultural experiences, from blockbuster exhibitions to world-class performances to hands-on workshops that reach every corner of our community.

Give now and be part of the art that moves our community forward.

If you would like to support Piedmont Arts through a stock exchange or non-cash contribution, click here to learn more.

Give Now

Thank you for supporting a creative, connected, and inspired Martinsville-Henry County.

Winter Break: Things To Do

Express your creativity in the Discovery Room

The Discovery Room is a vibrant, hands-on space where children of all ages can follow their curiosity and express their creativity. Whether they’re painting, drawing, making music, or putting on a puppet show, every child is invited to explore, imagine, and play in their own way.
The Discovery Room is free and open to the public during business hours.

Learn more

Exhibits

Peace Post
On view through Jan. 10

The stories that permeate our newsfeeds have become increasingly dark. To shine a light on some of the individuals who stand against injustice and advocate for peace, this project asked artists to create a series of digital stamps featuring portraits of these heroes, one for each sovereign nation. The result is a collection of 198 portraits of peace advocates created by more than 100 artists.

In conjunction with this exhibit, students in the gifted program at Fieldale-Collinsville and Laurel Park middle schools created artwork inspired by the work of peace advocates around the world. Each piece includes a QR code linking to a presentation about the artist’s chosen peace advocate.

Learn more

Legible Earth: The Fire Tapestries
On view through Jan. 10

Leah Raintree’s work engages the interconnection between humanity, time, and the Earth. This exhibit marks the 10th anniversary of the Valley Fire in Northern California, when Raintree’s sister and her family lost their home to wildfire. Borrowing from the language of ancient tapestries that survive as storytellers, these intricate line drawings are interwoven with washes of wildfire char and address the impacts of wildfire on ecological and human communities.

Learn more

Depicting the Moment
On view through Jan. 10

Donald Towns is a painter, background animation illustrator, and art director. He finds inspiration in a variety of subjects, such as nature, architecture, and everyday objects. His experience in the motion picture industry has influenced his painting, giving his work the ethereal appearance of animated movie stills.

Learn more

Inspired Creations
On view through Jan. 10

The Lynwood Artists Gallery features a selection of “inspired creations” by the group’s members.

Lynwood Artists is an organization for practicing artists in the Martinsville-Henry County area. Its members share a desire to stimulate understanding and enjoyment of fine art, while providing artists with opportunities to exhibit and develop their talents.

Learn more

Foster Gallery
On view through Jan. 10

The Foster Gallery features an exhibit of work by students attending Bassett High School, Carlisle Upper School, Magna Vista High School, and Martinsville High School.

Exhibits in the gallery are curated in partnership with the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County. A new exhibit is installed every six to eight weeks, allowing work by students from all 19 schools in Martinsville-Henry County to be displayed during the year.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, Piedmont Arts

Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at Piedmont Arts. A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Exhibits on view:
• American Watercolor Society 158th Traveling Exhibition
• Act II: Paintings by Gail Doyle Smith
• Works by King’s Grant Residents

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, Jan. 21.

RSVP online

African American Read-In + Family Day
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, Piedmont Arts

The annual African American Read-In + Family Day will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at Piedmont Arts.

Griot Fred Motley will entertain with folktales, and the Kuumba West African Dance Company will share traditional folklore through song, music, and dance. Children can create a free craft with members of the Teen Arts Council. The Piedmont Arts Guild will give away door prizes. Snacks will be available. This event is free, and all ages are welcome.

Learn more

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, high-energy dance competition, teams of local celebrities and community leaders compete for a cause — supporting the arts! Your votes support your favorite teams and the arts in Martinsville-Henry County.

Admission tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.

DFTA teams:
• Katie Adkins + Brandon Johnson
• Shan’Tyia Hairston + Maurice Breedlove
• Tiffanie Hairston + Brian Hairston
• Sarah Hodges + Kasey Lucas
• Elizabeth Huerta + Alfredo Huerta
• Shatera Robertson + Louis Norton
• Margie Price-Savedge + Christopher Janey
• Melissa White + Al Herndon

Tickets + Voting

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.

Buy tickets

Classes

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8

Yoga in the Galleries
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10

Yoga in the Galleries (Chair)
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14

Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays

The post Explore Piedmont Arts this holiday season appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Music Night – Friday, January 9th. Gap Civil will play in the Alumni Hall. Gate opens at 5 pm,  and the band starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 CASH donation. Come enjoy some great mountain music and dancing! Concessions, including our ever-popular Spencer Penn hot dogs, will be sold. 

Chair Aerobics – Tuesdays at 9 a.m. with Judi Perrin. 45 minutes of exercise, strength building and fun! $5 fee

Bingocize- Starting January 6th Bingocize will return Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. Free class of stretching, information and Bingo! Thank you to Southern Area Agency on Aging for making this class possible.

The post Spencer-Penn in January appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Founders Day
The next Sunday Afternoon Lecture program will be the annual Founders Day, at 3 p.m. January 18. This year’s Founders Day will focus on the early medical professionals of the area.

Holiday Hours
During the holiday season, the MHC Heritage Museum will be open regular hours — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays — with these exceptions:
• Closed at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve
• Closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas
• Closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day

Snow and Ice Days
Inclement Weather Policy: On days the schools are closed for inclement weather, the museum may be closed as well. If the roads aren’t too bad and the staff are able to drive in, the museum will be open. If you would like to visit the museum on a “snow day,” call 276-403-5361 or visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/MHCHeritageMuseum, to be sure we are here. If you do not have a response, the museum is likely closed.

City gets back to having a tremendous Christmas Tree
Thanks to an anonymous donor, this year’s uptown Martinsville Christmas celebration revives some of the spirit and tradition of Christmases past.

This Friday’s North Pole Jingle, from 5-7 p.m., is Uptown’s kick-off of the Christmas season. It includes Holidays at the Market, special late hours and offers from local merchants and – most dramatically –the lighting of a massive Christmas tree.

The 22-foot Christmas tree was paid for by an anonymous donor and ordered by Myiah Terry, Management Analyst for the City of Martinsville. It was scheduled to arrive in one transfer-trailer truck Tuesday at the city warehouse. On Wednesday, city workers will deliver the tree, requiring the use of more than one city truck, to the courtyard of the MHC Heritage Museum in the former Henry County Courthouse at 1 E. Main St.

The museum’s courtyard was deemed to be the only uptown place large enough to set up the tree, MHC Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brenell Thomas told MHC Historical Society Executive Director Holly Kozelsky on Monday.

Kozelsky said that the historical society was pleased to be able to offer the spot for the tree. It seemed like a continuation of a courthouse Christmas tree tradition dating back to 1916.

Also, having the impressive Christmas tree lit during the North Pole Jingle echoes the uptown Christmas celebrations which were attended by thousands of residents each year during the 1900s.

From 1916
It was the Elks who started the tradition of a town Christmas tree on the front lawn of the courthouse, and giving out gifts at that tree on Christmas day. The Elks’ first tree was in 1916, with gifts to 175 children, and by 1921, the Elks’ last year with it, they provided gifts for 1,000 children.

Then the Christmas tree and gift tradition was taken over by the Knights of Pythias, whose headquarters was in the Pythian Building just across Jones Street from the courthouse. The tree was usually erected on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve and remained standing until mid or late January.

S.T. Fulcher said that in the program’s heyday, Abe Globman,the department store owner, offered to the Pythians all the toys which had not sold by Christmas Eve. His son and son-in-law “Leon Globman and Dan Greene also were big contributors,” Fulcher said. Madison Aliff of Martinsville Produce offered all the nuts, fruits and candy left over on Christmas Eve as well. Fulcher recalled Charlie Pinkard, Albert Stultz, Johnny Mize, Roger Love,Sue Love and Jame Mize picking up all the donations.

At 2 or 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, Pythians and their wives and other volunteers distributed gifts, fruits, nuts and candies to between 1,000 and 1,500 children at their decorated tree. Usually that was on the lawn of the Henry County Courthouse (now the MHC Heritage Museum); the courthouse block was known as “Public Square” and was the center of community life. When weather was bad, it would be held in other locations, such as at the Banner Warehouse.

As the business atmosphere changed from locally owned stores to many large chain stores, there were fewer and fewer donations of toys.

By 1983, the tree’s final year, $2,000 was raised annually for the Peter S. Ford Memorial Christmas Tree Fund.
Santa arrived by plane

During the mid-1900s, the local shopping season was kicked off in dramatic fashion when crowds of thousands came to Public Square (the courtyard of the courthouse) to see Santa Claus, amidst great fanfare.

Santa’s visit to Public Square in 1949 brought the estimated largest crowd ever assembled there, between 8,000 and 10,000 people. Santa Claus arrived on an airplane which circled Martinsville three or four times.That was the official opening of Martinsville’s Christmas season; Mayor Nick Prillaman turned on the city’s Christmas street lights and the merchants unveiled their Christmas window displays for the first time as the plane circled. Then it landed at Lester airport (where Liberty Fair shopping center is now). The Martinsville High School Band played “Here Comes Santa Claus” as he got off the plane. A fire truck carried Santa to Public Square in a slow-moving parade in which the band kept playing. At Public Square, Santa climbed the firetruck’s ladder which was then raised so that everyone could see him wave. Most stores set Christmas shopping hours as open until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, and also Friday, Dec. 23, and on Christmas Eve, merchants would remain open for as long as they pleased. Stores normally closed at 5:30 p.m., but in the week before Christmas they would stay open until 6 p.m.

The next year, Santa Claus flew to Chicago, Washington and Danville before arriving in Martinsville. An estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people joined the Christmas festivities downtown, and the Fayette street parking lot was jam-packed with children seeing Santa Claus. He was picked up in Martinsville by a city fire truck which took him to the waiting crowds. He was lifted 30 feet into the air to wave at the children, and several children were able to hoisted above the truck to speak with him. Mayor J. Robert Walker welcomed Santa to the city. The Martinsville High School band played, and Paul Zimmerman and his orchestra also performed. All Christmas lights downtown were turned on at 6 p.m.

Santa continued flying into Martinsville regularly for the big Christmas season kickoffs. In 1960, for example, Santa Claus telegraphed his plans to Martinsville Retail Merchants Association President Jimmy Paris. He told Paris that he would board a plane in Nome, Alaska, and fly to Martinsville,where he would ride on a float in the parade. The last line of the Western Union telegraph was, “Tell all the children to make their mamas and papas bring them to see me. This should be the biggest Christmas Ever Santa Claus”.

The post Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum: Christmas music program; 22-foot Christmas tree arriving Wednesday; Founders Day; museum hours on holidays and snow days appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

To shine a light on some of the individuals who stand against injustice and advocate for peace, this project asked artists to create a series of digital stamps featuring portraits of these heroes, one for each sovereign nation. The result is a collection of 198 portraits of peace advocates created by more than 100 artists.

“Peace Post” is a project of Selman, a design firm founded by Martinsville native Johnny Selman.

Learn more

Legible Earth: The Fire Tapestries
On view through Jan. 10
Leah Raintree is an artist based in Richmond, Virginia, and Brooklyn, New York. Her artworks engage the interconnection between humanity, time, and the Earth.

This exhibit marks the 10th anniversary of the Valley Fire in Northern California, when Raintree’s sister and her family lost their home to wildfire. These intricate line drawings are interwoven with washes of wildfire char, creating intimate explorations that address the global impacts of wildfire on ecological and human communities.

Learn more

Depicting the Moment
Paintings by Donald Towns
On view through Jan. 10

Inspired Creations
Work by members of Lynwood Artists
On view through Jan. 10

These exhibits are sponsored by Jewell Drewery, Jane and John Franck, Gale and Will Gravely, Tracie Heavner and Jim Frith, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Lynwood Artists, Melody Margrave, Sovah Health, Stuart and Tom Webster, Phyllia and Mike Wenkstern and What’s Your Sign.

Holiday Happenings
Food Drive for Grace Network
Piedmont Arts is collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene products for the Grace Network food pantry.
Donations may be dropped off at Piedmont Arts through Dec. 13.

Suggested donations

Make spirits bright with handmade gifts
Spread some cheer with a unique gift from the Piedmont Arts gift shop. Discover a wonderland of handcrafted treasures from vibrant paintings and sparkling jewelry to stained glass, cozy textiles, and more, all created by regional artists.

Can’t decide what to buy? Pick up a gift certificate. Available in a variety of amounts, gift certificates can be used for event tickets, classes, gift shop purchases, and more.

Learn more

Art Garden Christmas Tree
Gravely-Lester Art Garden, 207 Starling Ave.
Each December, the Gravely-Lester Art Garden comes alive with a dazzling 30-foot Christmas tree that transforms the grounds into a festive landmark.

Created annually by artist Ian Hogg, this stunning installation incorporates more than 3,000 lights, making the tree a luminous work of art.

The tree is lit each night at sunset and will brighten the Art Garden through New Year’s Day.

Learn more

News
Piedmont Arts welcomes the holiday season with festive community celebrations

Around 150 visitors gathered in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden for the museum’s annual tree lighting on Dec. 4. Gale Buck, dressed as Santa Claus, entertained families with Christmas stories, while the Martinsville High School Jazz Band performed holiday classics. Members of the museum’s Teen Arts Council led a free children’s craft and hid handmade ornaments throughout the garden for guests to discover. The Piedmont Arts Guild also distributed free children’s books collected during a recent book drive.

The centerpiece of the evening — the Art Garden Christmas tree — stood out as a work of art in its own right. Created by artist Ian Hogg, the 30-foot structure features more than 3,000 lights and will illuminate the garden nightly at sunset through New Year’s Day.

The tree lighting was sponsored by Brightspeed, Carter Bank, Chip Wyatt of State Farm, and Press Glass.

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of Maestro David Stewart Wiley, returned to perform a mix of seasonal favorites at Piedmont Arts’ annual Holiday Pops Spectacular on Dec. 7 at Martinsville High School Auditorium.

Guest soloist LaTetra Lewis captivated the audience with her vocal range, while songwriter Randy Brooks amused concertgoers with a live rendition of his humorous hit, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Volunteers from Altrusa International of Martinsville-Henry County assisted with collecting food drive donations during the event.

The Holiday Pops Spectacular was sponsored by Brightspeed, with additional support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Upcoming Events
Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, Piedmont Arts

Join Piedmont Arts and the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County for a special event celebrating students with work on display in the Foster Gallery from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Piedmont Arts. The exhibit features work by students attending the following schools:

• Bassett High School
• Carlisle Upper School
• Magna Vista High School
• Martinsville High School
This event is free and open to exhibiting students, their families, and friends.

Exhibits are curated in partnership with the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County.

Learn more

Exhibit Opening Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, Piedmont Arts

Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at Piedmont Arts.

A gallery talk will be held at 6:15 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Exhibits on view:
• American Watercolor Society 158th Traveling Exhibition
• Act II: Paintings by Gail Doyle Smith
• Works by King’s Grant Residents

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, Jan. 21.

RSVP online

African American Read-In + Family Day
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, Piedmont Arts

The annual African American Read-In + Family Day will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at Piedmont Arts. A craft for kids and snacks will be available. This event is free, and all ages are welcome.

Learn more

Sponsored by Brightspeed and Carter Bank.

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, high-energy dance competition, teams of local celebrities and community leaders compete for a cause — supporting the arts! Your votes support your favorite teams and the arts in Martinsville-Henry County.

Admission tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, and $10 for students in grades K-12.

DFTA teams:
• Katie Adkins + Brandon Johnson
• Shan’Tyia Hairston + Maurice Breedlove
• Tiffanie Hairston + Brian Hairston
• Sarah Hodges + Kasey Lucas
• Elizabeth Huerta + Alfredo Huerta
• Shatera Robertson + Louis Norton
• Margie Price-Savedge + Christopher Janey
• Melissa White + Al Herndon

Tickets + Voting

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.

Buy tickets

Classes
Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8

Yoga in the Galleries
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10

Yoga in the Galleries (Chair)
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14

Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays

Community Partners
Smith River Singers Holiday Concert
7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, Galilean House

Join Smith River Singers for their annual holiday concert at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, at the Galilean House of Worship. Admission is free.

Visit Smith River Singers on Facebook for updates on this event.

The post Visit the galleries of Piedmont Arts this holiday season appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Storytime! – Saturday, December 6th, at 10 a.m. in the Hylton Library. This monthly program will include special readers, crafts, and other fun activities. Come out and join us for this free program, fit for all ages! No registration needed

Christmas Extravaganza – Friday December 5th 5pm – 9pm , December 6th 10am – 3pm. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, over 20 vendors, food and beverage trucks, Christmas tree contest, Lighting of the Tree Friday at 7p.m. .

Music Night – Friday, December 12th. The Country Boys will play in the Alumni Hall. Gate opens at 5 pm, band starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 CASH donation. Come enjoy some great mountain music and dancing! Concessions, including our ever-popular Spencer Penn hot dogs, will be sold.

Chair Aerobics – Tuesdays at 9 a.m. with Judi Perrin. 45 minutes of exercise, strength building and fun! $5 fee

The post Spencer-Penn in December appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Martinsville Speedway will once again host a Holiday Run Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6, the same day as the annual Christmas Track Laps for Toy Drive event at the famed short track.

The Holiday Run Festival will feature the Southside 10K run and 5K run or walk, with a portion of each entry fee going directly towards the toy drive’s fundraising efforts, benefiting Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County. This will be the 31^st year Martinsville Speedway has hosted the toy drive giving fans the opportunity to drive around the historic half-mile by donating to the cause.

“The Annual Christmas Toy Drive is such an important event here in our community, bringing everyone together to support those throughout the Martinsville Henry-County and beyond during the holiday season,” said Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President. “Grace Network has been an essential part of this fundraiser, that truly keeps growing every year. It’s a testament to the ability this place has to bring people together, and everything Martinsville Speedway represents.”

Those in the greater Martinsville region can start their morning with the Youth in Motion 5K, beginning at 9 a.m., or the Southside 10K, beginning at 10 a.m., then swap out their tennis shoes for tires during the track laps event at the speedway from 5 – 7 p.m. Community members can donate an unwrapped toy or $25 for the opportunity to drive laps around the iconic Virginia track in their personal vehicles.

Those in attendance can enjoy an evening filled with festive fun with a Martinsville Speedway twist. Fans can grab a famous Martinsville Hot Dog and top off their meal with Christmas cookies available at the Hot Dog Stand. Afterwards, families and friends can head on over to Victory Lane for a picture with Santa ahead of the holiday season.

The donated toys and monetary donations will be distributed to area children through Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, which is a faith-based, first-stop center for resources for families in crisis. The organization supports those in the community who need support to keep a roof over their heads, homes warm and lighted, and food on the table with short-term assistance and long-term solutions. To learn more about the Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, visit gracenetworkmhc.org.

Sponsors for Track Laps for Toy Drive include Brightspeed, Lester Group, Bassett Furniture, AEP, Patrick & Henry Community College, Lawless Welding, Sarver Properties & Cleaning, all of whom are dedicated members of the community helping to support the event.

For laps around the track, drivers must sign waivers and be 18 years of age or older with a valid state-issued driver’s license. All participants must adhere to Virginia state laws regarding the usage of seat belts and child safety restraints. 

For more information on the Toy Drive for Track Laps event, or details on the 2026 racing season at Martinsville Speedway, please visit martinsvillespeedway.com.

The post Martinsville Speedway to Host Holiday Run Festival and 31st Annual Toy Drive appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.

Art Talk with Donald Towns
7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Piedmont Arts

Donald Towns will discuss his exhibit, Depicting the Moment, and his work at Disney, where he was involved in the making of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid.”

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the galleries.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Tuesday, Nov. 18.

RSVP HERE!

Teen Arts Council Info Session
5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Piedmont Arts

Local teens in grades 9-12 are invited to learn more about the museum’s Teen Arts Council at an info session from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Piedmont Arts.

This group of dedicated teen artists and art lovers meets monthly for classes, events and more.

For more information, contact Melody Margrave at mmargrave@piedmontarts.org.

Learn more

Holiday Events
Christmas Tree Lighting
4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, Art Garden

Piedmont Arts will kick off the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Art Garden Christmas tree from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden.

Enjoy holiday music, a visit from Santa, themed crafts and a snack of cookies and hot chocolate. This event is free and open to the public.

Much like the sculptures in the Art Garden, the Christmas tree is a work of art. It is created each year by Ian Hogg using more than 3,000 lights. The tree will be lit at sunset and brighten the Art Garden through New Year’s Day.

Learn more

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular
3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, MHS Auditorium

Join Piedmont Arts for its annual production of the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at Martinsville High School Auditorium.

There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Maestro David Stewart Wiley conducts the Holiday Pops with all the magical elements guests have come to expect — high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth.

Guest soloist LaTetra Lewis will join the symphony for a heartwarming celebration of cherished holiday classics. Lewis is a mezzo-soprano hailed for her rich voice and magnetic stage presence. Randy Brooks, the writer of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” will also join the symphony for a special performance of his hit song.

Tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.

WIC Passport Program participants receive free general admission tickets to the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular. To redeem this discount, just show your WIC card at the museum’s welcome desk or at the box office on the night of the event.

Buy tickets

Food Drive for Grace Network Food Pantry
Piedmont Arts is collecting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene products for the Grace Network food pantry. Donations may be dropped off at Piedmont Arts from Dec. 2-13.

Altrusa International of Martinsville-Henry County will collect donations in the lobby of Martinsville High School Auditorium during the Holiday Pops Spectacular from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 7.

Suggested donations

GivingTuesday
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 2.

GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity. When you support Piedmont Arts on GivingTuesday — or any day — you help bring quality visual arts, performing arts and arts education programs to Martinsville-Henry County.

Four ways to participate:
1. Donate to the Grace Network food pantry.
2. Donate your money to Piedmont Arts.
3. Donate your time to Piedmont Arts.
4. Become an advocate for Piedmont Arts on social media.

Learn more + plan your gift

Exhibits

Peace Post
On view through Jan. 10, Piedmont Arts
The stories that permeate our newsfeeds have become increasingly dark. Abuse, discrimination, oppression, violence and war are global problems that all countries and people face. To shine a light on some of the individuals who stand against injustice and advocate for peace, this project asked artists to create a series of digital stamps featuring portraits of these heroes, one for each sovereign nation. The result is a collection of 198 portraits of peace advocates created by more than 100 artists.

Learn more

Legible Earth: The Fire Tapestries
On view through Jan. 10, Piedmont Arts
Leah Raintree’s work engages the interconnection between humanity, time and the Earth. This exhibit marks the 10th anniversary of the Valley Fire in Northern California, when Raintree’s sister and family lost their home to wildfire. Borrowing from the language of ancient tapestries that survive as storytellers, her intricate line drawings are interwoven with washes of wildfire char. These drawings address the global impacts of wildfire on ecological and human communities.

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Depicting the Moment
On view through Jan. 10, Piedmont Arts
Donald Towns is a painter, background animation illustrator and art director. He finds inspiration in a variety of subjects, such as nature, architecture and everyday objects. His experience in the motion picture industry has influenced his painting, giving his work the ethereal appearance of animated movie stills.

Learn more

Inspired Creations
On view through Jan. 10, Piedmont Arts
The Lynwood Artists Gallery features a selection of “inspired creations” by the group’s members.
Lynwood Artists is an organization for practicing artists in the Martinsville-Henry County area. Its members share a desire to stimulate understanding and enjoyment of fine art, while providing artists with opportunities to exhibit and develop their talents.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

Preschool in the Galleries
Preschool in the Galleries is a program for pre-K students designed to foster a love of the performing and visual arts at a young age. Performances take place at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and are free to students and schools.

• Wednesday, Nov. 19
• Tuesday, Dec. 9

Reservations are required to attend a performance. To make a reservation for your preschool class, email Programs Coordinator Jennifer Gravely at jgravely@piedmontarts.org.

Learn more

Foster Gallery Reception
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9, Piedmont Arts
Join Piedmont Arts and the Charity League of Martinsville & Henry County for a special event celebrating students with work on display in the Foster Gallery.

This exhibit features work by students attending the following schools:
• Bassett High School
• Carlisle Upper School
• Magna Vista High School
• Martinsville High School
This event is free and open to exhibiting students, their families and friends.

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, high-energy dance competition, teams of local celebrities and community leaders compete for a cause — supporting the arts! Your votes support your favorite teams and the arts in Martinsville-Henry County.
Admission tickets are $30 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for students in grades K-12.

DFTA teams:
• Katie Adkins + Brandon Johnson
• Shan’Tyia Hairston + Maurice Breedlove
• Tiffanie Hairston + Brian Hairston
• Sarah Hodges + Kasey Lucas
• Elizabeth Huerta + Alfredo Huerta
• Shatera Robertson + Louis Norton
• Margie Price-Savedge + Christopher Janey
• Melissa White + Al Herndon

Tickets + Voting

Community Partners

Smith River Singers Holiday Concert
7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, Galilean House
Join Smith River Singers for their annual holiday concert at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, at the Galilean House of Worship. Admission is free.
Visit Smith River Singers on Facebook for updates on this event.

Classes

Bob Ross Workshop
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4

Yoga in the Galleries
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10

Yoga in the Galleries (Chair)
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14

Chix with Stix
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second and fourth Tuesdays

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Looking for a night full of laughs, surprises, and creativity? TheatreWorks Community Players is bringing the spontaneous fun of Improv to the stage — and no two moments will ever be the same!

Improvisation, or improv, is a form of live theatre where everything happens on the fly. The plot, characters, and dialogue are created in real time, often sparked by suggestions from the audience. That means you might inspire the next hilarious scene or unexpected twist!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of improv comedy or totally new to the genre, this show promises quick wit, big energy, and a whole lot of fun for all ages. At just $5 admission, it’s one of the most entertaining and affordable nights out around.

Come support local talent and enjoy a completely unscripted evening with TheatreWorks. Get ready to laugh — they’re making it up as they go!

The post 🎭 TheatreWorks Community Players Present: IMPROV! appeared first on Martinsville Tourism.