Expressions 2026: America 250
Artists living within a 100-mile radius of Martinsville are invited to enter work in "Expressions 2026: America250" 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.
About the Exhibition
"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.
Director of Exhibitions and Marketing Bernadette Moore says that work does not have to adhere to the theme, but it is strongly encouraged. “We are excited to see the many interpretations presented by our artists of the ‘America 250’ theme. This is an opportunity to highlight our nation’s achievements, struggles, and each artist's hopes and dreams for the future.”
The exhibit will be judged by Katie Hirsch, deputy director of exhibitions at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.
This exhibit is sponsored by VisitMartinsville and Brightspeed.
Prizes
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.
Entry Rules
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.
Click the link below to download the "Expressions 2026" entry form.
Expressions Sponsorship
Celebrate the artists in our community by sponsoring “Expressions 2026: America 250.” Artists who enter work in this annual exhibition take home more than $5,000 in cash prizes each year. By becoming a sponsor, you can make one or more of these awards possible.
With work by more than 100 artists from Southern Virginia and the surrounding regions on display, this exhibit is the perfect opportunity to showcase your generous support of the arts. Sponsors will be recognized in the exhibit gallery guide and announced during the awards ceremony on Friday, June 26. Sponsorships received by Friday, May 12, will be included in the gallery guide.
Complete the form below to submit your sponsorship today.
