Upcoming events

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• Under the Big Top Exhibition

  • Start
    August 28, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    September 28, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery to open Under the Big Top, an exhibition of artwork inspired by a circus theme or a metaphor that depicts the madness and absurdity of everyday life.

  Exhibition dates are August 28 - September 28.

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• September Artist of the Month

  • Start
    September 01, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    September 30, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  John Maples, Painter

  
  

  Learn about each Artist of the Month here!

  Show details
• The Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up Market

  • Start
    September 10, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    November 02, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Check out our Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up Market, a fun fall tradition in the Art Speaks Gallery. Shop a varied selection of 2d and 3d artwork celebrating pumpkin themes.

  Exhibition dates are September 10 - November 2.

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• Mathews Plein Air - Part of Mathews ArtFest

  • Start
    September 17, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    September 19, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Bay School Community Arts Center
  • Spaces left
    41
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  Mathews Plein Air 2026 Event Information

  Event Overview

  Calling all Plein Air artists! The Bay School Community Arts Center is excited to host the 2^nd Annual Mathews Plein Air event being held during the Mathews ArtFest in the charming town of Mathews, Virginia. This event welcomes artists of all experience levels, with eligibility open to everyone. Please note that participation is limited to the first 50 registrants. Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 17, through Saturday, September 19, 2026, for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration and camaraderie. If you wish to have your artist information shared on our social media platforms, ensure your registration is completed by September 12, 2026.

  

  Awards sponsored by Sherri & Harvey Hamm

  Mathews ArtFest Best in Show: $300                                       

  Bay Excellence Award: $150

  Honorable Mention: $75

  Welcoming Reception and Check-in (canvases stamped)

  Location: Bay School Community Arts Center

  279 Main Street, Mathews VA 23109

  Thursday the 17^th between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

  Check in, bring your canvases to be stamped, meet fellow artists, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

  Additional check-ins and canvas stamping will be available Friday morning, 8:00 am to noon.

  Painting

  Location: Anywhere in Mathews County, Virginia (suggested areas will be provided).

  Thursday evening after check-in

  Friday, all day and evening

  Saturday, until 3:00 pm

  Wet Paint Sale and Award Recognition sponsored by RAW Art

  The wet paint sale and award recognition will be held at the Bay School on the 19^th between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Award Recognition at 6:00 pm).

  For more details, view and download Mathews Plein Air 2026 information.docx

  Registration is open now!

  Show details
• Mathews Plein Air Wet Paint Sale & Reception

  • When
    September 19, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Bay School Community Arts Center
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  The Bay School Community Arts Center is excited to host the 2^nd Annual Mathews Plein Air event being held during the Mathews ArtFest in the charming town of Mathews, Virginia. This event welcomes artists of all experience levels, with eligibility open to everyone.

  The wet paint sale and award recognition will be held at the Bay School on the 19^th between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Award Recognition at 6:00 pm). RSVP is welcome but not required.

  Awards given at the reception

  Mathews ArtFest Best in Show: $300                                       

  Bay Excellence Award: $150

  Honorable Mention: $75

  Awards sponsored by Sherri & Harvey Hamm. Reception sponsored by RAW ARt. Thank you for your support!

  
  

  Show details
• Mathews Met Art Auction & Gala

  • When
    September 26, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Bay School Community Arts Center

  Save the date ~ Saturday, September 26

  for the 

  Mathews Met

  Art Auction & Gala

  Come walk the red carpet with us

  This year we will host our annual Fine Art Auction here on Bay School grounds!

  Enter the Art Speaks Gallery and be welcomed with a sparkling beverage. Browse the collection of local and regional artwork as you mingle with other guests.

  Proceed to the classroom to enjoy hors d'oeuvres while immersed in our mission.

  Preview the live auction items in the pottery studio and meet staff and board members.

  Proceed to the tent for a magical evening of dinner by Chef Brian Marshall, silent and live auctions, raffles, live music and dancing with Tommy Sax as the evening winds down.

  All proceeds from this event will directly support The Bay School's community arts outreach and educational programs.

  More details and tickets are available on the event site here.

  Sponsorships are available - click here to support the event and make the magic happen!

  
  

  

  
  

  Show details
• October Artist of the Month

  • Start
    October 01, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    October 31, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  
  

  Learn about each Artist of the Month here!
  

  Show details
• Strange Things Opening Reception

  • When
    October 03, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for the opening reception for Strange Things, featuring artwork depicting the strange and bizarre with uncanny themes and blurred realities.

  Dress in your fall or Halloween festive attire and enjoy seasonal treats.

  Exhibition dates are October 3 - November 2.

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• Strange Things Exhibition

  • Start
    October 03, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    November 02, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for the opening reception for Strange Things, featuring artwork depicting the strange and bizarre with uncanny themes and blurred realities.

  Exhibition dates are October 3 - November 2.

  Show details
• Bourbon Tasting Discovery

  • When
    October 22, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Bay School Community Arts Center
  • Spaces left
    45

  
  

  Show details
• November Artist of the Month

  • Start
    November 02, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    November 30, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  
  

  Learn about each Artist of the Month here!
  

  Show details
• Holiday Shows Open House

  • When
    November 07, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for an open house to launch three special holiday exhibitions:

  Deck the Walls, featuring medium sized art for holiday gift giving, all under $200

  Holiday Pop-Up Market, with specially chosen artisan vendors set up through the holiday season with regularly replenished artwork, perfect for gifts for everyone on your list

  Christmas Tree Pop-Up, showcasing Christmas tree art in a variety of 2d and 3d media - take one home to make your home more festive this season!

  All three exhibitions are up through the end of 2026, with specials and sales starting the day after Christmas.

  
  

  Show details
• Holiday Shows

  • Start
    November 07, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    December 31, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for three special holiday exhibitions:

  Deck the Walls, featuring medium sized art for holiday gift giving, all under $200

  Holiday Pop-Up Market, with specially chosen artisan vendors set up through the holiday season with regularly replenished artwork, perfect for gifts for everyone on your list

  Christmas Tree Pop-Up, showcasing Christmas tree art in a variety of 2d and 3d media - take one home to make your home more festive this season!

  All three exhibitions are up through the end of 2026, with specials and sales starting the day after Christmas.

  
  

  Show details
• Progressive Dinner with The White Dog Bistro

  • When
    November 11, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery & The White Dog Bistro

  
  

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• Made in Mathews Art Contest Reception

  • When
    November 13, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour Student Art Contest is back! Join us for the reception and awards on November 13.

  
  

  RSVPs welcome but not required.

  Show details
• December Artist of the Month

  • Start
    December 01, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    December 31, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Art Speaks Gallery

  
  

  Learn about each Artist of the Month here!
  

  Show details