Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception: Saturday, July 25
- Executive Director
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
This summer, the Floyd Center for the Arts invites visitors to explore three new exhibitions celebrating Appalachian traditions, regional landmarks, and the artists who capture the beauty of Southwest Virginia. Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets and Landmarks…The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge are on view July 18 through September 5, 2026, while the 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition remains on display through September 19, culminating with the Plein Air Gala and Celebration.
Whether you're interested in textile traditions, architecture, painting, or local history, each gallery offers a unique perspective on the people and places that continue to shape our region.
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, these remarkable textiles required months of labor, technical skill, and thousands of yards of thread. More than everyday bed coverings, they were often 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.
As visitors explore the exhibition, they'll discover not only beautiful textiles but also the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage woven into every piece.
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 heartfelt collection documenting 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 of more than forty country churches, along with several additional historic churches throughout the region. His impressionistic paintings celebrate these familiar landmarks while preserving the character and history of the communities they serve.
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. Now in his nineties, he continues to paint and write from his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing a lifetime of artistic exploration through his work.
Donald Sunshine will also present a free Artist Talk on Saturday, August 1, from 1:30–2:30 PM, where he'll discuss the inspiration behind his exhibition, his artistic process, and his journey documenting the historic churches of the Blue Ridge.
Breezeway Gallery
2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition
The 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition showcases original works by the 30 artists selected for this year's Floyd Plein Air Biennial. Representing 10 states, these nationally recognized artists will return to Floyd September 14–19 to paint throughout the community during the week-long event.
From mountain vistas and rural farms to historic architecture and everyday moments, these artists capture the unique beauty of Southwest Virginia through the tradition of plein air painting—creating artwork outdoors, directly from observation.
The Preview Exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to become familiar with the participating artists before watching them paint across Floyd County during the Biennial. The exhibition will remain on display through the Plein Air Gala and Celebration on September 19, when newly completed paintings from the week's paint-out will be unveiled alongside the preview exhibition.
Join Us for the Opening Reception
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of all three exhibitions during a free Opening Reception on Saturday, July 25, from 4–6 PM at the Floyd Center for the Arts. Guests can meet artist Donald Sunshine, explore the galleries, enjoy complimentary light refreshments, and purchase beverages from a cash bar.
Visitors are also invited to attend a free Artist Talk with Donald Sunshine on Saturday, August 1, from 1:30–2:30 PM. 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.
Plan Your Visit
Strings Attached – The Enduring Appeal of Overshot Coverlets and Landmarks…The Rock Churches and the White Churches of the Blue Ridge are on view July 18 through September 5, 2026. The 2026 Floyd Plein Air Biennial Preview Exhibition remains on display through September 19, 2026, concluding with the Plein Air Gala and Celebration.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 12–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Admission to the galleries, Opening Reception, and Artist Talk is free and open to the public.
The Floyd Center for the Arts gratefully acknowledges Finn Graphics for sponsoring the 2026 Summer Exhibitions.