Floyd history and natural beauty showcased in new exhibitions
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of three exhibitions during a free Opening Reception on Saturday, July 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the Floyd Center for the Arts.
This summer, the Floyd Center for the Arts is celebrating the stories woven into Southwest Virginia's landscape, history, and creative traditions through three new exhibitions.
“Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets” and “Landmarks…The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge” will be on view through Sept. 5. The 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition will remain on display through Sept. 19, culminating with the Plein Air Gala and Celebration.
Hayloft Gallery: “Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets”
Presented by the Old Church Gallery
Overshot coverlets are among the finest examples of Appalachian textile traditions. Woven from cotton, linen, and wool, each coverlet required months of labor, remarkable technical skill, and thousands of yards of thread. More than practical bed coverings, these textiles were treasured family heirlooms, displayed on special occasions and carefully preserved for future generations.
Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets features historic coverlets from the Old Church Gallery collection, many dating to the nineteenth century. Some were woven by known Floyd County artisans whose weaving traditions continued into the twentieth century, while others have been preserved through family donations, carrying stories of mothers, grandmothers, and generations of Appalachian makers.
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate both the technical mastery and artistic beauty woven into every piece while honoring the women whose work helped preserve an important regional tradition.
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Falcon Gallery: “Landmarks…The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge”
An Exhibition by Donald Sunshine
Award-winning architect, author, and artist Donald Sunshine presents a moving collection celebrating one of Southwest Virginia's most enduring landmarks: its historic churches.
Over the past year, Sunshine traveled throughout Floyd County and neighboring communities, creating watercolor paintings documenting more than forty country churches, along with several additional historic churches throughout the region. His impressionistic paintings capture not only the architecture of these beloved buildings but also their importance as community landmarks that continue to define the Blue Ridge landscape.
A Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Virginia Tech, Sunshine has exhibited nationally, including at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as numerous regional museums and galleries. Now in his nineties, he continues to paint, write, and explore alongside his wife and fellow artist, Joanna Sunshine.
His work reflects a lifelong belief that art is a way of seeing, inviting viewers to slow down and rediscover the beauty found in familiar places.
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Breezeway Gallery: Fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition
The fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition is a preview exhibition showcasing original works by the 30 artists selected for the 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial. Representing 10 states, these nationally recognized artists will return to Floyd Sept. 14-19 to paint throughout the community during the week-long event.
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to become familiar with the participating artists and their unique styles before watching them create new work across Floyd County. Celebrating the tradition of plein air painting — creating artwork outdoors, directly from observation — the exhibition builds excitement for one of the Floyd Center for the Arts' signature visual arts events.
The Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition will remain on display through the Plein Air Gala and Celebration on Sept. 19, when visitors can view both the preview exhibition and the newly completed paintings created during the Biennial.
Call us today to schedule (540) 235-3095
Upcoming Events
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of all three exhibitions during a free Opening Reception on Saturday, July 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the Floyd Center for the Arts. Explore the galleries, enjoy complimentary light refreshments, and purchase beverages from a cash bar as we celebrate the opening of our summer exhibitions.
Visitors are also invited to attend a free Artist Talk with Donald Sunshine on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunshine will discuss the inspiration behind “Landmarks…The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge,” his artistic process, and his journey documenting the historic churches of Floyd and the surrounding region.
Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.FloydArtCenter.org, call (540) 745-2784, or visit at 220 Parkway Lane S. In Floyd
