Upcoming Events

STORIES OF THE STITCH 2026 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th from 10am to 3pm

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 (rain date: Saturday, Sept. 19th), the 22nd Annual Stories of the Stitch will paint the hills of Matthews Living History Farm with quilts of every imaginable color and pattern. To celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, we are adding a special, Patriotic Quilt Category – Quilts that honor the Spirit and  History of America, symbolically and/or colorfully (regardless of hand,  machine, or applique quilting) will be able to enter the “America 250” quilt category for judging.  In the interest of community and inclusiveness, we ask that any quilts submitted in the “America 250” category refrain from divisive political commentary or imagery.  All quilts submitted in the “America 250” category should have a sleeve on the reverse side of the quilt so that it can be displayed at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Other festivities will showcase a wide variety of disciplines within the world of traditional fiber arts. Live demonstrations include quilting, weaving, spinning, felting along with local musicians, arts & craft vendors, food & drinks, and entertainment for the whole family.

Each quilt may be accompanied by a story or “quilt tale” (optional). The story should be pinned to the quilt front, but not reveal your name and should be typed. Stories may be about the history of the quilt, the pattern, the personal significance of the quilt, the quilt-maker, or a tall tale. A ribbon will be awarded for the best story.   Please note, quilts that have been sent out for professional finishing may be marked down by the judges. There is no limit on how many quilts a family may pre-enter, as long as there is a person to hang each quilt before 11:00am. Quilts must remain hanging until 3:00pm, weather permitting. Bring enough clothes pins to secure the quilt to the line and remember to pin your name to the back of each quilt.

Please remember this is an outdoor event. The Arts Council & Matthews Farm are not responsible for damage by mother nature or her creatures. If rain is imminent the judging will conclude in the pavilion.

Directions from Galax: take US 58 West toward Independence. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road (1/2 mile after the blinking light at W. Stuart Drive). Continue on Meadow Creek Road 1.5 miles & turn right onto White Pine Road. The Farm is .3 miles on your right.

2026 SOTS Entry Forms – Download your quilt entry forms here!  2026 SOTS Entry Forms

Yard Sale 2026 – Raising $$ for the Arts Council, Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th from 8am to 4pm

RAIN OR SHINE, we’ll be selling everything under the sun at the 2026 Yard Sale for the Arts Council!  People from all over the Twin Counties have been down-sizing and donating really great things for the Arts Councils’ Yard Sale, and we invite you to do the same.  Call the Arts Council at 276-238-1217 to arrange your donation of yard sale treasures and then come on out to the Arts Council on Friday, 9/25 and Saturday, 9/26 to grab that knick knack you’ve been looking for forever!  We’ll be selling from 8am to 4pm each day from the Front Porch of the Arts Council offices located at 608 West Stuart Drive in Galax.  We suggest you park at the Galax Public Library and walk across the Veterans Memorial to the Arts Council.

We’ll have everything from sports equipment, home decor, building supplies and paint, bedding, furniture, glassware, gardening supplies, electronics, outdoor furniture, and more!  We hope to see you there!

HOMETOWN ARTISTRY ON STAGE at THE REX

HOMETOWN ARTISTRY is an evening of one act plays written by our very own Patrick Butler and David Beach.  First up is “Precipice” written and performed by Patrick Butler and directed by David Beach.  In “Precipice”, love, memory, and grief have come to the edge of — everything. As the story of Melvin and his longtime marriage unfolds, told with wry humor, tenderness, and vulnerability, we see a man navigating the vast territory of love, aging, loss, and what it means to stand on the brink of the unknown — still reaching for the sun.  Act two features David Beach’s new one-man play, “Lost & Found in Pulaski” which is a memoir of sorts (the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty!).  “Lost & Found in Pulaski” is a wise and charming tale of transformation in rural Virginia wherein the main character “lost the city and what he found wasn’t what he lost. After leaving the city behind, Russell finds himself in rural Pulaski, Virginia, trying to put down roots with his straight best friend, two eccentric Mormon neighbors, and a porch view offering strange comfort. Through memory, wit, and quiet revelation, ‘Lost and Found in Pulaski” explores queer belonging in unexpected places.  The plays will be performed at the Rex Theatre in Galax, Saturday, May 23 at 7pm & Sunday, May 24 at 2pm.

Tickets will go on sale on our Box Office page starting on May 1st!

CRIMES OF THE HEART, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play is coming to the Twin Counties! Written by Beth Henley, the play will be directed by Patrick Butler and performed at the Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence on October 17-19 and 24-26. Friday & Saturday performances are at 7pm & Sunday performances are at 2pm. Performance tickets are $15 for Adults and $12 for Seniors and Students.  There is a Special Pre-Show Reception & Performance Package with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright, Beth Henley on Friday, October 17 from 5pm – 6:15pm at the 1908 Courthouse – $25/person.   Visit our Box Office page to purchase your tickets online.  

CRIMES OF THE HEART tells the story of three sisters who have gathered in their small Mississippi hometown awaiting news of their grandfather who is dying in a local hospital: Lenny, unmarried, Meg, a failed singer and Babe, on bail having shot her husband. Their troubles, which are grave yet somehow hilarious, are highlighted by their cousin Chick, Doc Porter and Babe’s lawyer who is trying to keep her out of jail while waging a personal vendetta against her husband. But the play ends on a joyful note with the three sisters re-united celebrating Lenny’s birthday.  It would be a CRIME if you missed this show!