Peace Post
On view through Jan. 10
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.
“Peace Post” is a project of Selman, a design firm founded by Martinsville native Johnny Selman.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
