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.
“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.
Work does not have to adhere to the theme, but it is strongly encouraged. Piedmont Arts Director of Exhibitions and Marketing Bernadette Moore said, “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.
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.
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 online at PiedmontArts.org.
