Artists living within a 100-mile radius of Martinsville are invited to enter work in "Expressions 2026: America 250" from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Piedmont Arts. All entries must be made during the designated time frame. No early or late entries will be accepted.
"Expressions" is an open-entry exhibition presented annually by Lynwood Artists and Piedmont Arts. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, artists are encouraged to submit work focusing on the theme “America 250.”
The exhibition will offer an innovative and meaningful artistic experience for both artists and the community by transforming the milestone of America’s 250th anniversary into a platform for contemporary creative expression. The exhibition invites artists to explore the concept of revolution in both historical and modern contexts — encouraging new interpretations of freedom, identity, progress, and the evolving American experience.
The exhibit will be judged by Katie Hirsch, deputy director of exhibitions at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.
It will be on view June 27-Aug. 14, 2026, at Piedmont Arts. Admission is free.
This exhibit is sponsored by VisitMartinsville and Brightspeed.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in seven categories, and for the People’s Choice Award, Lynwood Artists Award, Best in Show, and the America 250 Award, which recognizes the best interpretation of the exhibit theme.
Work does not have to adhere to the "America 250" theme, but it is encouraged.
All submitted works in compliance with the entry rules are accepted into the exhibition. Up to two pieces of art may be submitted per artist. Artwork submitted for entry must have been completed within the last two years. Work previously exhibited in "Expressions" is not eligible.
Artists should review the entry form with the complete entry rules before submitting work. Entry forms are available at Piedmont Arts and at the link below.
Questions before entry? Email Director of Exhibitions and Marketing Bernadette Moore at bmoore@piedmontarts.org.
Click the link below to download the "Expressions 2026" entry form.
Entry Form
Sponsored by VisitMartinsville, Brightspeed, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Lynwood Artists, and What's Your Sign.
Join Lynwood Artists and Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of "Expressions 2026: America 250" from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, June 26, at Piedmont Arts. An awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the galleries. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served.
Exhibits on view:
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number and names of the attendees in your party by Wednesday, June 24.
RSVP here
Sponsored by Burton & Company.
Franks + Dranks returns to Piedmont Arts with music, food, and fun from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
Singer-songwriter William Nesmith will bring a mix of pop, R&B, and soul to the stage. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native has been singing and playing piano since his hands could reach the keys. His sound is often compared to Stevie Wonder, Sam Smith, and Bruno Mars. He is the winner of the 2018 Songwriter Standoff, hosted by the Piedmont-Triad Chapter of Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Enjoy a meal of hot dogs and fixings, whipped up by local all-star chefs Shane Pinkston and Will Gravely, along with chips, cookies, soft drinks, and water. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for ages 12 and under. Food is included with admission.
Join the Piedmont Arts Guild for a special presentation by student artist Lily Ebrahimi from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23, at Piedmont Arts.
Ebrahimi is the winner of the Piedmont Arts Guild Special Student Award in “Expressions 2025.” Her work will be on view at Piedmont Arts from June 27-Aug. 14.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP attendance at the link below by Wednesday, July 22.
About the Piedmont Arts Guild
The Piedmont Arts Guild, a Community Partner of Piedmont Arts, seeks to encourage and develop awareness and appreciation of the arts while promoting the arts and Piedmont Arts among the citizens of Martinsville-Henry County.
Guild meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, except in November and December, at 11:45 a.m. at Piedmont Arts. Meetings include a catered lunch for members and guests, followed by a program about the visual or performing arts, and a brief business meeting.
For more information about the Piedmont Arts Guild, contact Melody Margrave at mmargrave@piedmontarts.org.
RSVP Here
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