The Piedmont Regional Art Show & Sale remains a must-see event, featuring more than 300 works in a variety of media. Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main Street, The Plains, VA, has hosted the show for 71 consecutive years.

The show and sale, a major fundraiser for the church, keeps growing and this year’s event will see extended sale hours. Over the past five years, the show has averaged 335 entries.

This year’s show and sale will kick off May 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with the Opening Gala for artists and sponsors. The show continues May 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — an hour later than last year — and May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission fee the last two days, and donations are gratefully accepted.

 “This is a nice local show,” says Dana Thompson, last year’s Best in Show winner for “Hound Study,” an oil painting on board. The Midland, VA, resident will enter three paintings in this year’s 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 in the region.  Throughout its history the art show has featured the works of artists of all media, ages and levels of experience, including the work of established professionals.

Thompson has entered the Piedmont show the past 20 years. Her mother recently passed, and she will dedicate this year’s show to her. “My mom was a former member of Grace Church and always loved this show,” she says. Thompson strictly paints wildlife, a reflection on her own menagerie of three dogs, a cat, two chickens and two goats. “I’ve always loved animals so it was the natural thing for me to paint.”

Proceeds from the show benefit local ministries of Grace Church, and help ensure the continuation of the show. This year’s honorary co-chairs are Landon and Carol Butler.

For more details, visit www.gracetheplains.org, email artshow@gracetheplains.org, check out www.facebook.com/artshowatgrace, or call 540-253-5177, Ext. 104.