Piedmont Arts Association
It was in 1961 when the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts began to encourage the formation of a statewide network of local chapters – including the Piedmont Arts Association that represents Martinsville and Henry County to this day.
The Henry County group existed without a headquarters building until 1976 when it moved into The Lynwood House in Martinsville, and remained there until 1981. Then at that time, heirs of the late Michael and Purnell Schottland donated the Schottland estate in Martinsville to the organization, for the purpose of developing an extensive program of artists’ residencies, performing arts productions and a variety of other classes for area students.
Ten years later in 1991, the Piedmont Arts Performing Arts Series was launched and has become an important part of the cultural life in this area. The association now presents at least four full-scale plays each year. It also schedules in-school programming, as well as other special events to improve the cultural quality of life for residents in Martinsville and Henry County and surrounding areas.
Piedmont Arts also oversees Studio 107, a collection of artist studios on East Church Street in Uptown Martinsville. Artists participate in classes and lectures, and take part in informal discussion, critique and collaboration.
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