When the art show at Grace Episcopal Church, The Plains, VA, first started,  Harry Truman was president, a gallon of gas cost 15 cents and the average cost of a new car was $1,300. Now 70 years old, the Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale remains a must-see event, and it keeps growing by leaps and bounds. Last year, 138 artists of all media and levels of experience totaled 352 entries.

This year’s Piedmont Regional Art Show and Sale at Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main Street, The Plains, will kick off May 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with the Opening Gala for artists and sponsors. The show continues May 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission fee the last two days, and donations are appreciated.

“Sweet Fragrance” by Susan Gibbs

“This is a wonderful show because there’s so many different mediums,” says Susan Gibbs, last year’s Best in Show winner for “Sweet Fragrance,” an oil painting on canvas. The Haymarket, VA, resident again this spring plans to enter the art show, which is steeped in tradition.

The first art show at Grace Episcopal in 1947 was inspired by the Reverend Harold Peters, an artist himself. It began as a project of the Episcopal Church Women. Today, the show and sale has grown to involve volunteer efforts of the entire parish and is a favorite spring event of many.

Throughout its history the art show has featured the works of regional artists of all media, ages and levels of experience, including the work of established professionals.

Admission to the Gala opening is complimentary to exhibiting artists and sponsors. There is a $15 admission charge for additional guests.

Proceeds from the show benefit local ministries of Grace Church, and help ensure the continuation of the show. For more details, visit www.gracetheplains.org, email artshow@gracetheplains.org, check out www.facebook.com/artshowatgrace, or call 540-253-5177, Ext. 104.