Bay School Community Arts Center upcoming events

The Art of the Cocktail (April 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join friends new and old and our guest mixologist to learn to craft your own specialty cocktails.

Must be 21 or older to participate.

This event is sponsored by Mathews Insurance Agency and Mac Casale. Thank you for your support!

Patron Preview Reception (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

By invitation only, we invite our patrons, sponsors, and members to join us for a preview of the Art Speaks Juried Exhibition.

This is a first opportunity to view and shop the artwork, meet some of the artists, and enjoy the exhibition and each other's company.

Registration is welcome but not required.

The Opening Reception and Awards takes place Saturday, April 25, from 5-7pm and is open to the public.

Art Speaks Juried Exhibition Opening Reception (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery to open our 13th Annual statewide Art Speaks Juried Exhibition. Awards will be presented with comments from the exhibition juror and judge, Ryan Lytle.

Open to Virginia artists working in all media, this exhibition showcases the best of Virginia's contemporary art. We are accepting artist applications now!

Exhibition dates are April 25 - May 25.

Family Art & Clay Festival (May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This year's Family Art & Clay Festival coincides with Mathews May Faire Celebration.

Along the Bay School driveway, you'll find free art activities for kids and adults and artisan vendors showcasing their craft.

In and out of the pottery studio, participate in or watch our annual Raku Firing or the new Clay Olympics.

Raku Firing - Participants at the raku firing were able to choose a bisque-fired pot or small figurine to glaze and then watch it be fired to 1800°F in less than an hour! Potters who preferred to fire something of their own were able to bring their own pot or small sculptural piece to glaze and fire. Kids or adults who didn't want to do raku, had the option to paint a bisque-fired pot with acrylic paint and take it home with no need of a firing. Glaze and fire our pot for $30, your own pot for $15, or paint a pot for $10.

Clay Olympics - Launched in 2025 as a pottery throwdown, this year we are adding hand-building challenges to the competition. Participants will compete in a series of challenges that test their skill and artistry, hoping to advance to the next round and win it all. Enter the Olympics for $10 or cheer on your favorite competitor!

OpenArts After School Spring Art Show (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for our OpenArts After School Spring Art Show, featuring artwork created by the young students in our after school program.

Artwork will be exhibited May 15-16.

Mathews Paint Out - part of the Gloucester Arts Festival (June 09, 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

The Gloucester Arts Festival 2026 Festival Plein Air competition returns to Mathews!

For the fourth year, the Plein Air Invitational is partnering with the Mathews County Bay School Community Arts Center for a one-day event in Mathews. The 2026 Plein Air Artists will be painting at various locations in Mathews County. Watch the artists at work during the day and then join us at the Bay School at 5:30pm for a reception. Paintings done that day will be available for purchase during the reception. See if you can determine Best in Show and which artist receives the prize money! This event is free and open to the public.

Bay of Secrets Soirée (June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Soirée Friday, June 19 - Exhibition to follow

*please note date change

Join us for our first Bay of Secrets Soirée and Exhibition!

60 local artists have created works of art to please your eye - but we won't tell you who made what. Attend the Soirée and match each masked artist to their work for a chance to win prizes. Buy your favorite canvas for $100 or bid in our silent auction of pieces made by masters.

The Bay of Secrets Soirée is a ticketed event. Tickets are $20 each and will go on sale soon. Members will enjoy a half hour preview at 5:30 before the doors open to other ticketed guests at 6:00.

The silent auction will close and art/artist match winners be announced at 7:30.

All proceeds from ticket and artwork sales go directly to Bay School programs such as Summer Art Camp and OpenArts After School. This event is sponsored by RAW Art. Thank you for your support!

Americana Opening Reception (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery to open Americana, an exhibition of artwork covering patriotic themes, American traditions, nostalgia, and history, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the USA.

Exhibition dates are June 26 - July 27.

Faerie Tea (July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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, games, door prizes, raffles, and a silent auction.

Expect lively fae and tea lore, creative activities, 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!

Join us for a charming afternoon filled with imagination, community, and a little bit of faerie magic.

Faerie Tea is sponsored by Jeannine Johnson. Thank you for your support!

Italian and French Wine Discovery (July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us for an Italian and French Wine Discovery. Individual plates of regional delicacies will be paired with six Italian and French wines that reflect the terrior and merrior of the region.

Nik Vukaj of Lanterna Wine Distributors will provide each wine's story and tasting notes. All wines tasted will be available for purchase with pick-up the following week. Italian and French-inspired artwork and treasures will be raffled.

Additionally, the work of Margaret Benton-Jones will be on display and for sale.

This event is sponsored by Marymac & John Hoffman and Margaret Benton-Jones & Robert Jones. Thank you!!!

Check back for ticket availability.

An Artist's Journey Opening Reception (July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery to open An Artist's Journey, featuring our adult student show and artwork that has been inspired by taking a Bay School class.

Exhibition dates are July 31 - August 24.

Kids' Art Show Opening Reception (August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us in the Art Speaks Gallery for our Kids' Art Show, featuring artwork created by the young students in our summer art camps.

While you're here checking out these kids' talent and creativity, step outside to join our Ice Cream Social to buy a handmade pottery bowl and fill it with ice cream and toppings.

Artwork will be exhibited August 15-22.

Ice Cream Bowls & Social (August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for our annual Ice Cream Social to buy a handmade pottery bowl and fill it with ice cream and toppings.

While you're here, stop into the Art Speaks Gallery to check out the talent and creativity of the kids in our Summer Art Camps.

Proceeds from the ice cream bowls sale help keep our pottery studio program thriving!

Under the Big Top Opening Reception (August 28, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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.

The Pumpkin Patch Pop-Up Market (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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.

Mathews Plein Air - Part of Mathews ArtFest (September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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 will open soon.

Mathews Plein Air Wet Paint Sale & Reception (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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!

Mathews Met Art Auction & Gala (September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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 while you sip a second drink.

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.

Check back for details as they unfold and tickets as they become available!

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

Strange Things Opening Reception (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

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.

Holiday Shows Open House (November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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.