Piedmont Arts kicked off the holidays with three community events in December.
Preschoolers from Happy Feet Early Learning and Child Center in Martinsville helped deck the museum’s halls on Dec. 3. With help from Mr. and Mrs. Claus — played by Gale Buck and his wife Christy — the students decorated the Christmas tree in the museum’s lobby. The preschoolers also enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate with Santa.
The museum hosted 150 visitors for its annual tree lighting on Dec. 5 in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden. Buck, again dressed in full Santa regalia, entertained youth visitors with Christmas stories, choirs from First Baptist Church and Starling Avenue Baptist performed carols and members of the Piedmont Arts Guild served guests cookies and hot chocolate. The Art Garden Christmas tree is an art piece in itself. Created by Ian Hogg using more than 3,000 lights, it will illuminate the Art Garden through New Year’s Day. This annual celebration was made possible by sponsors Chip Wyatt of State Farm, Press Glass and Carter Bank.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus led by Music Director and Conductor David Stewart Wiley returned for Piedmont Arts’ annual Holiday Pops Spectacular on Dec. 8 at Martinsville High School Auditorium. Guest soloist Michael Lynche performed with the Symphony. He is best known as a contestant on season nine of “American Idol,” where he won millions of fans with his powerful, soulful voice. More than 800 people filled the audience, setting a new attendance record.
“The Holiday Pops is always a community favorite,” said Executive Director Heidi Pinkston. “This year, we saw more of the community come out than ever before to celebrate the holidays with us. We are so grateful for everyone who attended and to Mr. Wiley, Mr. Lynche, the Symphony and Chorus for their incredible performance.”
The Holiday Pops Spectacular was made possible by sponsors Stifel and Stateline Aesthetics. The performance was partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Guests are invited to visit the Christmas trees in the Art Garden and museum lobby through New Year’s Day. Visitors can also enjoy the exhibits “The Art of the Quilt” and “Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild” on view through Jan. 11 in the Piedmont Arts galleries. These exhibits feature quilts and quilted accessories created by artists from across the Southeast. A tour of these colorful and innovative textiles is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Exhibit admission is always free.
Piedmont Arts is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Art Garden is open from dawn to dusk each day. The museum will be closed Dec. 24-25 and open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 26-28. In celebration of the New Year, the museum will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
For more information on exhibits and events, visit PiedmontArts.org.
