Mathews Market Days 50th Anniversary
2024-09-06 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States

Magical Musical Gala
2024-09-28 17:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Historic Estate of Auburn, 11 Old Auburn Road, North, 23128
This year’s Gala and Art Auction is a tribute to the power of music in our lives and its impact on creativity and imagination. The theme is the Magical Musical Gala, and the event will be held Saturday evening, September 28 at the historic estate of Auburn, currently owned by Claude and Lynn Hornsby and once the vacation home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Starting at 5:00 pm, there will be a special reception in Auburn’s boxwood garden for attending members. While strolling the garden to the sounds of a string quartet, members can enjoy a signature cocktail created for the event and an array of delicious appetizers. Each member also will be given a specially created party favor to express our appreciation for their continuing support.
Always one of the Bay School’s most popular and well-attended events, the evening will be filled with fun and creativity, decadent food, raffles, both silent and live auctions, and MUSIC!
Don’t miss this fun-filled community event, so get your tickets now!
You ay also become a sponsor of this exciting event that supports the Education and Outreach Programs of The Bay School.

Bay School Holiday Pop-Up Market
2024-11-13 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Bay School from November 13th – December 31st for their Holiday Pop-Up Market!

Vendors booths will be set up inside the Bay School with some of the most popular artisans, and regularly freshened up with new inventory throughout the season!

Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour
2024-11-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
The Made In Mathews Open Studio Tour offers the opportunity to visit and interact with an accomplished and varied group of working artists and artisans, each practicing thier chosen craft amongst the beautiful rivers and bays of historic Mathews County, Virginia. Our member artists and artisans benefit from a remarkably diverse range of skills, mediums, backgrounds that are as unique as the people who call Mathews County their home.
Collectively they produce a staggering array of fine art, textiles, traditional crafts, furniture, jewelry, home and body products, glass and sculpture, every piece authentic and handmade right here in Mathews County.
The 2024 Made in Mathews Studio Tour will take place:

Nov. 29: 10-5 pm
Nov. 30: 10-5pm
Dec. 1: 12-5pm *Artists Sunday*
Dec. 7: 10-5pm
Dec. 8: 12-5pm

With the addition of the second weekend, we hope to spread the attendance out so everyone has a chance to come enjoy the Open Studios!

Crafted in Clay
2025-01-17 - 2025-02-01 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Crafted in Clay is a yearly pop-up pottery event, from Jan. 17th- Feb.1. Shop for unique, decorative and functional pottery. Pottery pricing will range from full price to sale and seconds pricing.

Portuguese Dinner
2025-03-02 17:30 - 20:30 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join us for a progressive dinner featuring Portuguese wine and cuisine.
The evening starts in the Art Speaks Gallery with a glass of bubbly and appetizers, then we will proceed to the White Dog Bistro for dinner and dessert.
Two glasses of Portuguese wine are included with your dinner. Soda, coffee, iced tea, and water are also available with your dinner. Additional drinks are available at the bar at normal menu pricing.
Vegan options will be available for all courses. Please indicate your dietary needs when you purchase your ticket.
The painting, Portuguese Village by Margaret Benton-Jones, will be up for raffle at the event. You can purchase raffle tickets with your dinner tickets, or get them at the event.

The Menu
First Course: Soup
Caldo Verde (A savory potato and cabbage soup with sliced chorizo)
Second Course: Salad
Algarvian-Styled Salad of Tomato, Cucumber, Sweet Pepper with Shaved Manchego and Herb Olive Oil
Third Course: Meat Selection
Arroz de Pato, Traditional Rice with Duck and Vegetables
Fourth Course: Seafood Selection
Cailderada de Piexe (A Hearty Galician-Styled Fish and Shellfish Stew)
Fifth Course: Dessert
Pastel de Nata (A Warm Flaky Pastry with a Spiced Lemon Zested Custard)
Tickets are $125 for members, $135 for non-members. Members will receive a discount code via email.
Buy Your Ticket Now!
Please note: All online ticket purchases will include a 3.6% credit card processing fee. To avoid this fee, reserve your tickets over the phone by calling 804.725.1278 and visit the Art Speaks Gallery in advance of the dinner to pay in-person with check or cash. You may also mail your payment to The Bay School at PO Box 1524; Mathews, VA 23109
Thank You Sherri & Harvey Hamm for Sponsoring This Event!

12th Annual Art Speaks Juried Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-04-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Please join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony of the 12th Annual Arts Speaks Juried Exhibition on April 26, 5:00-7:00 pm. The exhibit showcases the work of 66 artists living and working in Virginia, 18 years and older. Both 2D and 3D media are represented in the show and $6,350 in prize money will be awarded!
The exhibition will be on display April 26-May 26, and available online for viewing and purchase subsequent to the reception.

Raku Firing & Pottery Throwdown
2025-05-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join us for this double-header event! Learn the ancient art of raku firing with our own modern twist and/or compete in wheel-throwing challenges to win prizes and bragging rights.
Pottery from Clay by the Bay Ceramics Guild will be for sale. Refreshments will be available.
Tickets can be purchased at the door (check or cash preferred) or online in advance.
Get Your Tickets NOW!
Annual Raku Firing
Join in the fun and take your piece home with you the same day! This part of the event will be held in The Bay School Backyard. A variety of options are available for you to participate in the event:

Choose a pot, glaze it with our raku glazes, and watch it be fired to 1800°F in less than an hour! ($30)
If you are a potter, you can bring your own pot or small sculptural piece to glaze and fire. Raku clay or any clay with grog will work for this process. ($15)
Kids or adults who don’t want to do raku, can paint a pot with acrylic paint—no firing needed. ($10)

Pottery Throwdown
This part of the event is new this year and will be held in the studio!
Sign up to compete in wheel-throwing challenges. The judge will decide the challenges and judging criteria. Competition will be bracket-style, with winners of each round advancing to the next. Plan to stay all day to take part in this new adventure. There will be prizes for winners at each level. ($10 to compete)
Experience the excitement of a raku firing and join in the fun of throwing pots or cheering on your favorite potter—What a great way to spend a Saturday! See ya there!

Mathews Paint Out Reception
2025-06-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
As part of the 2025 Gloucester Arts Festival, The Bay School is hosting a reception at the Art Speaks Gallery, June 10, 5:30-7:00 PM for the artists participating in the day-long Mathews Paint Out, where plein air artists will be painting in various locations throughout Mathews County.
The reception is free and open to the public where they can meet the artists, purchase their paintings created that day, and enjoy a convivial atmosphere of food, drink, and creativity in the gallery.

Coastal Reverie: Musings of Virginia's Coastal Shores from the Photographer's Eye
2025-06-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Gwynn’s Island Museum, State Rte 633, Gwynn, VA, 23066, United States
A Photography Show and Exhibit to Benefit the Gwynn’s Island Museum!
Opening Reception on Friday, June 27, 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Gwynn’s Island Museum
Join us as we muse over a collection of photographic works showcasing the uniqueness, beauty, and depth of our shores as seen through the lens of a camera.
Free entry to reception and exhibition; donations to the Museum accepted and highly appreciated. All works on display will be for sale. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
Music will be provided.
Prizes:
1st Place: Dinner for two at Hole in the Wall Waterfront Grill and a history cruise with Mathews Deadrise Charters. ($350 value)
2nd Place: $250 cash award
3rd Place: Custom Framing Gift Certificate ($150 value)

Local Scenes Opening Reception
2025-08-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Local Scenes focuses on artwork that embodies small town themes and local scenes. Entries include both local and nearby points of interest. Local Scenes runs from August 29-September 29. Join the Bay School for an opening reception Friday, August 29th from 5-7 pm!

Night in Paris Gala & Art Auction
2025-09-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Brighton Farm, Mathews, VA, United States
You are invited to join the Bay School Community Arts Center for A Night in Paris—an evening of delicious French food and wine, fine art, music, and friendship at the historic estate of Brighton Farm on The East River, September 27 starting at 5:30 pm. A Members’ Reception will precede the event from 5:00-5:30 pm at Brighton Farm’s Winter House. Become a member so you too can attend the pre-event festivities and enjoy the many other member benefits offered throughout the year.
This year’s Gala & Art Auction offers an opportunity for friendly competition during both silent and live auctions. The Silent Auction will include a variety of original fine art and creative collections of items inspired by our theme. The Live Auction provides guests an opportunity for spirited bidding on exciting trips in the US and abroad, culinary and nautical experiences, and more original fine art!
Our gracious hosts this year are Robert Williams and Elizabeth Rountree, owners of Brighton Farm. Located on the East River, guests will enjoy the breeze off the river while strolling the grounds and enjoying the scenic view. Brighton Farm was built by Herman Hollerith, founder of the company that later became IBM. Learn more about this historic estate and see pictures that document its history and restoration HERE.
All proceeds from the event support the Outreach Programs of the Bay School Community Arts Center. Our outreach efforts are at the heart of what we do, offering art experiences to underserved communities and those who may not be able to easily come to us.
Excited to join us for a fun evening and support a worthy cause?
BUY TICKETS
Would You Like to Volunteer for the Gala?
Many tasks are available for our Gala & Art Auction, A Night in Paris, September 28. Volunteer tickets to the event are discounted to $100. To get a discount, volunteers must contribute at least four hours of time. To get the discount, contact Jennifer at jenschroeder@bayschool-arts.com. See the tasks and sign up HERE.
Would You Like to Sponsor the Gala & Art Auction?
We are still accepting sponsors. If you would like to sponsor the event, information about the various levels and benefits can be found HERE.
Thank You Sponsors!

Fred & Lynn Lyon
Margie Downing
Vivian Keasler
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
Sherri & Harvey Hamm
Dr. Nathan M. Vogt, DDS
JiW Architecture
The Closing Shop
Elizabeth Ware
Mobjack Associates
Bill & Christine Corbin
CiCi’s Dog Salon
Brass Ring Solution, LLC
RAW Art
Josh Junker State Farm
Dan & Judy Johnson
Hole in the Wall Waterfront Grill
Ashby & Marsha Morgan
Vulcan Materials Company
Gloucester Toyota
Twiggs Ferry Flower Farm
Shop with a Cop, Inc. – Gloucester
Tracy A. Foster, Realtor
Steve & Mary Pope
Town & Country Sales and Management
Hudgins Design Collaborative
Shane & Jeannine Johnson
Linda Nelson
The Pink Door
Roane’s Antiques at The Cottage
Inn at Tabbs Creek
John & Kim Hahn
William & Roxana Andersen
Drs. Mel & Sonia Schursky
Chesapeake Bank

Dark Shadows Opening Reception
2025-10-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Please join us for this shivery show celebrating the macabre. The reception is Saturday, October 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Art Speaks Gallery. You also can view and shop the show online.

Sip & See Wine Tasting & Art Show
2025-11-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Lily Valentine Antiques & Upscale Clutter, 20 Church Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Enjoy complimentary wine tastings from Barboursville Vineyards
Featuring original artwork by local artists:
Jan Finn-Duffy • Karen Pittman • Susan Wright

Holiday Pop-Up Market
2025-11-12 - 2025-12-31 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
The Bay School has invited eleven talented artists and artisans to participate in our Holiday Pop-Up Market. This year, tables will be set up inside the Art Speaks Gallery, November 12 through December 31.
Shopping hours will be available throughout the week and weekends, with the market running some evenings for your convenience. Every week, these talented individuals will be replenishing their wares so that diverse and plentiful selections of artfully crafted handmade items will always be available.
Additional vendors will be set up outside during the Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour, November 28 through November 30, and December 6 and 7.
November 12-December 31 Holiday Pop-Up Market Hours are:
Mondays thru Wednesdays: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Special Extended Hours for Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour: Nov 30 & Dec 7: Open Noon-5:00 pm
Special Artists Sunday Shopping Day: November 30: Noon-5:00 pm (Click on the logo below to learn more about Artists Sunday.)
Special Evening Hours During Mathews Holiday Night Market: Dec 12, Open until 8:00 pm
Special Evening Hours for Nick of Time Shopping Event: Dec 23, Open until 8:00 pm

Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:00 | VA

Bits & Pieces Opening Reception
2026-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Bits & Pieces opens Friday, February 27th.
Entries were created from collage, junk art, assemblage, and mixed media in a range of interesting media including fiber, photographs, hanging art, paintings, wearables, 3-D, pottery, multimedia, collage and jewelry.
Bits & Pieces will be available for viewing and shopping on the Bay School website, as well as in person in the Art Speaks Gallery.
Opening Reception will be held February 27th from 5-7:00 pm. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, art, artists and great company!
Bits & Pieces runs from February 27- March 23rd from 5 -7:00 pm.

VA250 Poster Contest Reception
2026-03-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the VA250 and the Bay School as we celebrate students’ poster submissions representing “What it Means to Me to be an American,” and award cast prizes to the winners. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments are provided!

Mug Meet-Up & Pi(e) Day
2026-03-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Bay School in the warm and cozy Art Speaks Gallery for Pi(e) Day! Enjoy a slice of pie and a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Sit down for a mug meet-up conversation with other gallery visitors. Shop a selection of handmade pottery pie pans, dessert plates, and mugs from the pottery studio and Clay by the Bay Ceramics Guild.
No reservations or tickets required.

Family Art & Clay Festival
2026-05-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
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!

Mathews Paint Out
2026-06-09 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
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
2026-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Art Speaks Gallery, 279 Main Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States

Ice Cream Bowls & Social
2026-08-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Art Speaks Gallery, 279 Main Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
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!
https://bayschoolarts.org/event-6488330

Mathews Plein Air Paintout
2026-09-17 09:00 - 2026-09-19 19:00 | Mathews, VA, Mathews, VA, 23109
The Bay School Community Arts Center is excited to host the 2nd 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 19th 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!
https://bayschoolarts.org/event-6650891

Mathews Plein Air Wet Paint Sale and Award Recognition
2026-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States

Mathews Met Art Auction & Gala
2026-09-26 17:30 - 21:30 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
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!
https://bayschoolarts.org/event-6650393
