This past weekend, our second annual Mathews Plein Air paintout and wet paint sale took place. 12 artists from Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland participated in this event. 

Local artist Gib Pulley presented awards at the Saturday Wet Paint Sale and Reception:

Best in Show to Mary Veiga for "Whispers in Rose"

Bay Excellence Award to Jan Finn-Duffy for "Mathews Farmers Market"

Honorable Mention to Elizabeth Blanchard for "Williams Wharf"

  

Some of the artists left their paintings in the Art Speaks Gallery for your viewing and shopping pleasure. Stop by to check them out or see them online here.

The Bay School will host its annual art auction and gala to support the non-profit’s art outreach and educational programs. This year’s event is inspired by the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual red-carpet fundraiser and will highlight the impact of the center’s mission “to bring creativity to people of all ages and abilities”.

This year’s event, “Mathews MET Art Auction & Gala,” will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, on the Bay School grounds beginning with a red-carpet walk where you can have your entrance captured in photography as a memento of the enchanting evening. Come and enjoy “Big City Magic” in the heart of downtown Mathews!

Attendees will enjoy a sparkling beverage in the Art Speaks Gallery while browsing the collection of local and regional artwork. Gala guests will proceed through a tour of the classroom and pottery studio facilities while enjoy hors d’oeuvres, meeting artists and learning about the mission and impact of the Bay School’s programs.

A magical evening will continue to unfold in the gala tent where Chef Brian Marshall of Gloucester will serve dinner including appetizers, seafood delicacies, and decadent desserts. Local watercolor artist Jan Finn-Duffy will be painting ‘plein air’ for the enjoyment of the guests. The event will include silent and live auctions, raffles, along with live music and dancing with Tommy Sax as the evening winds down.

This year’s auction provides an opportunity for bidding on many exquisite artist creations, international travel, local adventures and dining packages. There is a lovely, curated collection of coastal artwork offered including a pastel painting of the Tide Mill at Popular Grove by Lon Brauer, a “River Critters” 5 1/2 ft. Garden Pottery Stack created and donated by Mathews ceramicist Sue Henshaw, and the “York River Estuary” oil painting by Mathews artist Christine Corbin. With too many auction items to list, the offerings include handmade jewelry, themed & curated baskets, US & international travel packages, local dining and inn packages, pottery, fiber art and paintings that are sure to delight the senses. Many of the items can be previewed at the Bay School Community Art Center’s website.

The outreach programs, which are supported by proceeds from the gala, are at the heart of the mission of the Bay School. Currently, the school has 10 active outreach programs that serve a broad array of ages and abilities. On average, more than 240 individuals participate and benefit each year from these programs that provide inclusive art experiences to all.

Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorships or donating to the event may contact Pam Doss at pamdoss@bayschool-arts.com. Tickets are $150 each or $275 per couple. They may be purchased at the Bay School website or in person at the Art Speaks Gallery at 279 Main Street, Mathews VA.

John Maples is our September Artist of the Month. His paintings can be viewed online or in the Art Speaks Gallery until the end of this month.

"As a realist painter, I draw inspiration from the remarkable skills of the Hudson River School artists – minus the 19^th -century malaria and heavy wool outfits! Like them, I strive to capture intricate details and evoke a sense of connection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own memories and emotions through scenes rooted in meaningful places, experiences, and objects.

My artistic journey began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, using that time to study through books and online courses. Seeking to expand my artistic abilities, I continued my training under James Warwick Jones at the Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University. Art allows me to recreate and share cherished memories of adventures, places, or objects that hold special significance. It is a wonderful journey with no ending."

Under the Big Top is the Bay School's September show. It will run from August 28-September 31st. Accepted entries from this show found their inspiration from a literal circus theme or the metaphor that depicts the madness and absurdity of everyday life. There are a total 17 artists that created jewelry, pottery, fiber and paintings.This show is going to be fun, colorful and nostalgic!  Join us for Under the Big Top opening reception Friday, August 28th from 5-7:00. There will be drinks, light appetizers, art and artists.

An Artist’s Journey is a yearly show at the Bay School Community Arts Center that focuses on the student artist. Participating artists have all taken a Bay School class recently in their creative journey. The artwork is either created in or inspired by classes at The Bay School. There are 19 artists participating this year and for some it is their first time entering a gallery show. This show is a great opportunity to learn about all of the wonderful classes offered at the Bay School for all skill levels and ages. Artwork such as felting, photography, paintings, pottery, and jewelry are all included in the show. The Student Art Show runs from July 31st through August 24th. Join us for an opening reception July 31st from 5-7:00. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, art, artists and great company!

Join us at Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation in Mathews THIS Saturday for a Summer Shindig! Show the residents some love while you have a fantastic time creating, snacking, and jamming to some awesome tunes. Free to participate in the activities!

Saturday, July 11, 10:00-4:00 we were at the Gwynn's Island Civic Center as part of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Cricket Hill

Lots of visitors stopped by to meet Pam, Peggy, and Virginia, see and shop artwork made by our artistic staff, add their mark to our community art piece or paint a rock, and learn about our programs. 

Faerie Tea Sunday, July 12, 2:00-4:00pm This year's Faerie Tea vendors include Zoa Mae Designs/Off the Beading Path - jewelry Roane River Studios - handcrafted soap, pottery, and more Blind Bella - vintage designs Jan Towne - jams and jellies Ronda Bowden - floral gifts Carol Everhart - whimsical creations

The Menu Get your tickets now! Please buy your tickets in advance! Please buy your tickets in advance!

Faerie Tea returns to The Bay School on Sunday, July 12! By popular demand, our enchanting annual Faerie Tea is back—an afternoon of whimsy, tea, and fae-inspired fun you won’t want to miss. From 2:00 to 4:00 pm, faerie-dressed guests will enjoy delightful teas and tasties, door prizes, raffles, Faerie vendors, fae themed art to make and take home and a silent auction. Expect lively creative activities, an artful Photo Booth, and a chance to browse a magical selection of faerie-inspired treasures in the Art Speaks Gallery. Costumes are highly encouraged, with recognition for our most fabulously dressed faeries! Please bring your favorite teacup (or mug) with a story as to why it is your favorite. Join us for a charming afternoon filled with imagination, community, and a little bit of faerie magic. Faerie vendors include - Blind Bella - vintage designs, Ronda Bowden - floral gifts, Roane River Studio - handmade pottery and soaps, Off the Beading Path - jewelry, Jan Towne - jams and jellies-Whimsical Creations by Carol Everhart. View our complete event calendar here

• June 26-July 27: Americana
• July 1-31: Artist of the Month John Alan Stock
• July 12: Faerie Tea
• July 23: Italian & French Wine Discovery sold out

View our complete event calendar here

VOLUNTEERS Volunteer with us! We'd love to have you join our team. Check out opportunities here.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors! Faerie Tea Sponsors Jeannine Johnson Rozalia Gillette Let us know if you want to sponsor a 2026 exhibition or event and have your business highlighted in this newsletter! View details here. You can also advertise your business with The Bay School, in this newsletter or in print. Check out advertising options here.

The Bay School Community Arts Center is supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Mathews County.

The July show in the Art Speaks Gallery is Americana. The Americana show will be on exhibit in conjunction with the 250^th Anniversary of the USA from June 26-July 31. Artwork will cover patriotic themes, American traditions, nostalgia, and history. We will have a range of interesting media including fiber, photographs, hanging art, paintings, wearables, 3-D, pottery, multimedia and jewelry. Participating artists have found clever ways to work show themes into their artwork. Opening reception for Americana will be held June 26, from 5-7:00. All visitors receive a free raffle ticket for something fun, drinks and finger foods will be available. Offers from local restaurants Mathews Grill & Deli, Mi Casa Azteca and The Seafood Shack will be available for gallery visitors, reception night only. 

Karen Pittman

This past Friday, June 19, marked the first Bay of Secrets Soirée in the Art Speaks Gallery.

55 unsigned works of art, all created and donated by the artists, were up for sale or bid during the event. 8"x8" canvases sold for $100 each and 12"x12" canvases were on silent auction. 

The 75 guests in attending, including most of the contributing artists, tested themselves to see how many artist-painting pairs they could match. Artist Jody Ball won with ten successful matches.

There are a few canvases still available for purchase - stop by and grab yours before time runs out.

A huge thank you to all the artists who participated and to our event sponsors, RAW Art and Ray Stubblebine & Ula Ilnytzky.