Current Exhibition at CCSA
January 2022- July 2022
Quilts in Color
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts (CCSA) is pleased to announce an extraordinary exhibit by Linda Fiedler: “Quilts in Color” now showing at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts main campus in Galax, Virginia. “Quilts in Color” will be an exhibit of work by Linda Fiedler and consists of 16 of her originally designed quilts. Linda is a prize winning quilt maker, teacher, author and judge from Meadows of Dan, Virginia, whose classes are popular on a local, regional and national level. Her quilts have won awards at many of the large national and international shows, including being perennial winners at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia and the International Quilt festival in Houston, Texas. In addition, her quilted clothing has appeared in such prestigious shows as the Fairfield Fashion Show, and the Hobbs Fashion Show in Paducah, Kentucky. She has shown her quilts in several one woman shows; her work also hangs in private and corporate collections.
“I came to the world of Art through the channels of traditional quilt making. In 1972, I made my first quilt after the birth of my older son, and thus began my love affair with quilts. My journey through the years has led me from the traditional bed quilt to the more contemporary and modern art quilts that I am making today. I find great joy in the creative process, and in carrying an idea, an expression, or a mood into its final completed form as a quilt, whether it be a bed quilt, a wall quilt, or a piece of wearable art. Fabric is my medium; a sewing machine, scissors, needle and thread are my tools; and a finished quilt is the result of my labors.
For most of my life, I have been inspired by Nature, and fascinated with color. I use the colors in my fabrics and threads, and the textures created from my embroidery and quilting designs to interpret the themes of my quilts. Nature, color, innovative machine techniques; there are the challenges that inspire me and have kept my creative juices flowing through the years.”
This exhibit will be on display from January-June 30, 2023 at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts main building, 2nd floor located at 100 North Main Street, Downtown Galax, Virginia. This exhibit is open to the public and free to visit. Hours of Operation are Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.
CCSA will host a reception for Linda and this exhibit on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1pm.
Past Exhibitions
January 2022- December 2022
Portrait by Laurie G. Warren, student in WV
by Susan Pollins-Laansama
by Susan Pollins-Laansama
Moments in a Life
Selected works and media covering a lifetime career of Painting, Teaching and Exhibiting including traditional watercolor, some mixed water media, some acrylic on canvas by Susan Laansma Pollins to be held at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, 100 Main Street, Downtown Galax, VA. 24333 from January 2022-July 2022
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Susan Laansma Pollins received a Bachelor of Science in Design from the College of Architecture and Design, University of Michigan. She taught art at Southfield Public School in Michigan. A frequent instructor, juror and demonstrator, she has taught in continuing education programs at Seton Hill University, Penn State University and Westmoreland County Community college as well as classes at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Touchstone Center for Crafts, Greensburg Art Center and art organizations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. She is past president of the Women’s Committee of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and served as interim as Education Coordinator and for 22 years as a docent. She was a co-owner of Greensburg Art Supply for 18 years. Now working out of Walnut Hill Studio, she is an elected signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, past president and board member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, elected member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, past officer and board member of the Greensburg Art Club, elected member of Group A. She is a rostered artist in the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts/Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art- artist in residence- Arts in Education program and has completed over 35 of these programs since 1995. She has served on the Board of Directors of Touchstone Center for Crafts and currently serves on the Board of Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts. She is a core member of the East of Eastside Gallery and a member of The Pittsburgh Group. Sue’s work has been exhibited in more than 35 exhibits as a featured artist plus innumerable regional and national juried shows. Her pieces are found in private and corporate collections plus the collection of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
The Greensburg Area Cultural Council awarded her “Artist of the Year” in 1999. The Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations awarded her “The Heart and Soul Award for Merit of Individual Achievement” in 2002 for her work with Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Touchstone awarded her “Artist of the Year” in 2009. Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art granted her a “Service of the Arts Award” in 2013. Most recently, Sue has been honored to be selected a Master Visual Artists VII: Preserving the Legacy, for her career, achievements and contributions to the arts in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Berensfeld Gallery, Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh in 2020.
“ My work presents examples of the many ways water interacts with pigment to divide pictorial space to create images greater than the sum of their parts. They exemplify path of discovery wherein the elements of design rather than replication of subject inspire each piece. Recurrent themes mingle with emergent ideas to feed an energy that is seemingly boundless and valid for my ongoing artistic journey. I savor the industry and opportunity to continue in depth my search for actualities and abstractions, intellectually and aesthetically. This is but a moment in my travels, I invite you to walk with me on that path. I would hope you could enhance these images with your own knowledge and experiences, creating a synergy and growth to us both. I would not write a novel but a poem enhanced by our common humanity. Your added energies create a bond to enrich us all. ‘
June 17-September 13, 2019
2nd Annual | 2019
Community Photography Exhibit
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, 100 N Main Street in Galax, announces the Second Community Photography Exhibit this June and welcomes community members to enter. There is no charge to participate and individuals may submit up to three photographs each. This exhibit will be on display at the school’s main building located at 100 North Main Street from June 17th– September 13th, 2019.
“The purpose of this exhibit is to celebrate photography taken in this region and the photographers who take them” shares school’s Director, Chris Pollins. “There is incredible talent in this area and we’re excited to see what new work looks like and the photographers taking them. Both as a school and community showplace this is the perfect opportunity to encourage the photographer amongst you to come out and join the celebration!”
All entries must be ready to hang and may or may not be for sale. Applicants must complete a contract, profile and inventory, available in person or online.
For more information, call (276) 236-3500 or visit us online at www.chestnutcreekarts.org.
CCSA’s main Building is located at 100 N Main Street. Be sure to stop by during open hours Monday-Saturday to visit the Gallery & Gift Shop! CCSA’s campus also includes a Woodworking Studio located at 107 W. Oldtown Street and Pottery Studio located at 110 E Oldtown Street. All three locations offer open studios, community studios, classes & workshops for artists of every skill level.
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, a collaborative project with the City of Galax, preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of southwest Virginia by fostering artistic and individual growth through classes and events in traditional music, heritage crafts, and contemporary arts.
Past Exhibitions at CCSA
April 17- June 14, 2019
Galax Public Art :
7th Annual Youth Art Exhibition
The City of Galax Public Art Committee announces its 7th annual Youth Art Exhibit! To celebrate the importance of art in our community and the talent of our youth this committee is inviting everyone to come see this work and participate by voting for your favorites.
The exhibit represents work from Galax Public School Art Students and Galax homeschoolers as well as students grades 9-12 from Oak Hill Academy located in Grayson County. Each student submitted one piece of work that they considered best represents their skill and talent to share with their community. Viewing this exhibit is open and free to the public and located at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts main building located at 100 North Main Street, Galax, VA. 24333. Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 11am-3pm.
The exhibit will be on display as of April 19th. Members of the public are encouraged to come see the exhibit and place their votes to select People’s Choice votes in three categories: Elementary, Middle and High School. Each voter is limited to one ballot in which to make three votes, one for each category. Top six winners in each category will then be framed and placed on exhibit in one of six City of Galax Public Buildings: Galax Recreation Center, Library, Courthouse, Municipal Building, Crossroads Institute and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts for a full year and then returned to the winners. Announcements of winners will be made at the close of the exhibit on Friday, June 14, 2018 at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Please direct questions to: Chris Pollins (276)236-3500 cpollins@chestnutcreekarts.org
The City of Galax Public Art Committee is a function of the City of Galax and consists of representatives from: Department of Tourism, Arts Council of the Twin Counties, Galax Downtown Association, Downtown Business Owner, City of Galax City Council and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. The committee’s mission is to communicate the value of art throughout the City and celebrate creativity among its residents.
Visit www.galaxpublicart.org to see the winners of previous youth exhibitions.
Current Exhibition at CCSA
June 17, 2019-September 2013
2nd Annual | 2019
Community Photography Exhibit
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, 100 N Main Street in Galax, announces the Second Community Photography Exhibit this June and welcomes community members to enter. There is no charge to participate and individuals may submit up to three photographs each. This exhibit will be on display at the school’s main building located at 100 North Main Street from June 17th– September 13th, 2019.
“The purpose of this exhibit is to celebrate photography taken in this region and the photographers who take them” shares school’s Director, Chris Pollins. “There is incredible talent in this area and we’re excited to see what new work looks like and the photographers taking them. Both as a school and community showplace this is the perfect opportunity to encourage the photographer amongst you to come out and join the celebration!”
All entries must be ready to hang and may or may not be for sale. Applicants must complete a contract, profile and inventory, available in person or online.
For more information, call (276) 236-3500 or visit us online at www.chestnutcreekarts.org.
CCSA’s main Building is located at 100 N Main Street. Be sure to stop by during open hours Monday-Saturday to visit the Gallery & Gift Shop! CCSA’s campus also includes a Woodworking Studio located at 107 W. Oldtown Street and Pottery Studio located at 110 E Oldtown Street. All three locations offer open studios, community studios, classes & workshops for artists of every skill level.
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, a collaborative project with the City of Galax, preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of southwest Virginia by fostering artistic and individual growth through classes and events in traditional music, heritage crafts, and contemporary arts.
Past Exhibitions at CCSA
April 17- June 14, 2019
Galax Public Art :
7th Annual Youth Art Exhibition
The City of Galax Public Art Committee announces its 7th annual Youth Art Exhibit! To celebrate the importance of art in our community and the talent of our youth this committee is inviting everyone to come see this work and participate by voting for your favorites.
The exhibit represents work from Galax Public School Art Students and Galax homeschoolers as well as students grades 9-12 from Oak Hill Academy located in Grayson County. Each student submitted one piece of work that they considered best represents their skill and talent to share with their community. Viewing this exhibit is open and free to the public and located at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts main building located at 100 North Main Street, Galax, VA. 24333. Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 11am-3pm.
The exhibit will be on display as of April 19th. Members of the public are encouraged to come see the exhibit and place their votes to select People’s Choice votes in three categories: Elementary, Middle and High School. Each voter is limited to one ballot in which to make three votes, one for each category. Top six winners in each category will then be framed and placed on exhibit in one of six City of Galax Public Buildings: Galax Recreation Center, Library, Courthouse, Municipal Building, Crossroads Institute and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts for a full year and then returned to the winners. Announcements of winners will be made at the close of the exhibit on Friday, June 14, 2018 at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Please direct questions to: Chris Pollins (276)236-3500 cpollins@chestnutcreekarts.org
The City of Galax Public Art Committee is a function of the City of Galax and consists of representatives from: Department of Tourism, Arts Council of the Twin Counties, Galax Downtown Association, Downtown Business Owner, City of Galax City Council and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. The committee’s mission is to communicate the value of art throughout the City and celebrate creativity among its residents.
Visit www.galaxpublicart.org to see the winners of previous youth exhibitions.
The City of Galax Public Art Committee announces its 7th annual Youth Art Exhibit! To celebrate the importance of art in our community and the talent of our youth this committee is inviting everyone to come see this work and participate by voting for your favorites.
The exhibit represents work from Galax Public School Art Students and Galax homeschoolers as well as students grades 9-12 from Oak Hill Academy located in Grayson County. Each student submitted one piece of work that they considered best represents their skill and talent to share with their community. Viewing this exhibit is open and free to the public and located at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts main building located at 100 North Main Street, Galax, VA. 24333. Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 11am-3pm.
The exhibit will be on display as of April 19th. Members of the public are encouraged to come see the exhibit and place their votes to select People’s Choice votes in three categories: Elementary, Middle and High School. Each voter is limited to one ballot in which to make three votes, one for each category. Top six winners in each category will then be framed and placed on exhibit in one of six City of Galax Public Buildings: Galax Recreation Center, Library, Courthouse, Municipal Building, Crossroads Institute and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts for a full year and then returned to the winners. Announcements of winners will be made at the close of the exhibit on Friday, June 14, 2018 at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Please direct questions to: Chris Pollins (276)236-3500 cpollins@chestnutcreekarts.org
The City of Galax Public Art Committee is a function of the City of Galax and consists of representatives from: Department of Tourism, Arts Council of the Twin Counties, Galax Downtown Association, Downtown Business Owner, City of Galax City Council and Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. The committee’s mission is to communicate the value of art throughout the City and celebrate creativity among its residents.
Visit www.galaxpublicart.org to see the winners of previous youth exhibitions.
Willard Gayheart :
Heart of Appalachia
~And Introducing the Whimsical Visual Art of His Granddaughter Musician Dori Freeman~
August 6 – November 17, 2018
Master Appalachian artist Willard Gayheart captures the heart and soul of Appalachian culture in his fine photorealistic graphite renderings.
The artist will be re-releasing prints for the first time in decades for this exhibit. Gayheart has been featured by the Washington Post and has been referred to as the Norman Rockwell of Appalachia.
His granddaughter musician Dori Freeman named “One of the top 10 country artists you need to know” by Rolling Stone Magazine; will be showcasing her fresh quirky artwork for the first time at this exhibit.
A reception will be held Saturday August 11, 2018 at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts from 4:00-6:00 p.m.. Come meet the artists with a special musical performance by Gayheart and Freeman.
The exhibit is being produced and installed by a creative team of Art. Style. Create., Inc. artists in collaboration with Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, has generously offered to host and the show in downtown Galax, Virginia.
Art. Style. Create., a 501-c3 nonprofit based out of Galax gives rise to the emerging (young) creative voice of galax & the twin counties.
The show opens August 6, 2018 during the 83rd annual Oldtime Fiddler’s Convention and runs through early fall. The exhibit is available to view during business hours.
20% of Art. Style. Create. proceeds from art sales at the exhibit will go towards the Wayne Henderson Music Festival Scholarship.
2018 Galax Youth Exhibit
May 14- June 9, 2018
Youth Art Exhibit Winners to be Displayed in Downtown Galax Locations
(Galax, VA) The Sixth Annual City of Galax Youth Art Exhibit featured over fifty drawings and paintings of City of Galax resident youth ages 6-18. This exhibit was on display at Chestnut Creek School of the Arts located at 100 North Main Street, downtown Galax from May 14th through June 9th. Guests, residents and visitors were encouraged to place their votes for their favorites in each of three categories: Elementary, Middle and High School categories.
The ballots have been tallied and congratulations go out to the following youth who received the top six highest numbers of votes in their category. Elementary: Rozlyn Akers, Sydney Alderman, Christi Dyer, Noah Meinecke, Colin Wilson and Ali Wilson. Middle: TezakiyahTucker, Madison Lewis, Danni Boyles, Angelina Gayton, Lena King and Camden Mullins. High: Elijah Funk, Samantha Carranza, Kanton Surratt, Paul Dieu, Hannah Scoggin and Andrian Carreon.
There were six winners in each of the three categories. Each winner will be framed and exhibited in one of six public facilities: Municipal Building, Courthouse, Recreation Center, Galax Regional Library, Crossroads and CCSA. Framing is provided by an anonymous sponsor. Tax deductible contributions are always welcome to help offset expenses related to the work of this committee.
Please Visit www.galaxpublicart.org for more photos of the work.