MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Jan. 2, 2026) — Piedmont Arts will host an opening reception in honor of its new exhibits from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at the museum. The American Watercolor Society’s “158th Traveling Exhibition,” “Act II: Paintings by Gail Doyle Smith,” and “Opening Minds Through Art: Work by King's Grant Residents” will be on display.
The reception will feature live music by Ann Nichols. Complimentary refreshments will be served. A gallery talk with American Watercolor Society member artists Kevin Deck of Roanoke and David L. Stickel of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as well as Gail Doyle Smith, will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the galleries. This event is free and open to the public. An RSVP is required by Wednesday, Jan. 21, to 276.632.3221 or online here.
The American Watercolor Society’s “158th Traveling Exhibition” 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.
The 40 paintings included in this exhibition were selected from the American Watercolor Society’s “International Exhibition,” held annually at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. Each year, more than 1,100 artists from across the United States and 32 foreign countries submit work for consideration. From this highly competitive field, only 40 works are chosen to tour nationally, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with outstanding examples of current watercolor painting.
Founded in 1866, the American Watercolor Society is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of watercolor painting in the United States. Membership is conferred through a rigorous jury process and is widely regarded as a mark of artistic distinction and mastery of the medium. The Society’s distinguished history includes such influential members as Andrew Wyeth, Edward Hopper, and Winslow Homer.
“Act II” features paintings by Gail Doyle Smith, a Martinsville native who now lives in coastal North Carolina. Living on the Brunswick River has provided her with an enduring source of inspiration for paintings that depict tranquil coastal landscapes, shore birds, wildlife, and native flora with sensitivity and depth.
Straddling the line between representation and modern impressionism, Smith’s bold, painterly style has evolved through more than 17 years of focused study and experimentation in oils. She paints subjects she loves, approaching color with curiosity and a spirit of exploration that brings vitality and warmth to her compositions.
“Opening Minds Through Art: Work by King's Grant Residents” will be on display in the Lynwood Artists Gallery. King's Grant is an independent living facility in Martinsville. As part of Sunnyside Communities, King's Grant is committed to continuing care and provides residents with ways to passionately pursue healthy and vibrant lifestyles through a holistic approach to care and vitality.
These exhibits will be on display Jan. 24-March 28. Exhibit admission is always free.
The exhibits and reception are sponsored by Olivia and Pres Garrett, Gale and Will Gravely, Charisse and David Hairston, Kathy and Hank Long, Nancy and Henry Moore, Brenda and Joe Williams, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Lynwood Artists, Sovah Health, and What's Your Sign.
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