Art Works
Four new exhibitions are planned for the Floyd Center for the Arts from April 25 through July 4.
The exhibits include a solo show from Steven Kenny, a showcase of regional artisans and a special student exhibition from Floyd Elementary School. Spanning multiple gallery spaces, the exhibitions invite visitors to explore artistic process, imaginative storytelling, and the rich tradition of craftsmanship in Floyd County. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 4 to 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
In the Hayloft Gallery, Process | Practice explores the often unseen stages of making—experimentation, testing, revision and discovery. Before a work is finished, there are questions: How does the material respond? What fails? What changes? What is learned along the way? Bringing together 18 local, regional, and national artists, the exhibition reveals the thinking and problem-solving that shape each finished work. Sketches, studies, materials, and tools are presented alongside completed pieces, placing process on equal footing with outcome. Rooted in the creative traditions of Floyd, the exhibition opens the studio to the public, inviting viewers to engage more deeply with how art is made—not just what is made.
The Falcon Gallery features Invitation to Wonder, a solo exhibition by Steven Kenny. The beauty and mystery of both nature and the human form have long shaped Kenny’s work. His paintings explore the shifting tensions that define the human experience—between who we are and who we imagine ourselves to be, between biology and technology, and between rational thought and unconscious instinct. Blending the human figure with elements from the natural world in surreal and symbolic ways, his work reflects the complex and often ambivalent relationship between humanity and the environment, while revealing the contradictions inherent in human nature.
In the Breezeway Gallery, The Floyd Artisan Trail Exhibition celebrates the artists and craftspeople who shape the creative identity of Floyd County. Now in its 16th year, the Floyd Artisan Trail invites visitors into working studios to experience art where it is made. This exhibition features 20 participating artisans working across disciplines such as woodworking, ceramics, fiber arts, leatherworking, and painting. Rooted in Appalachian traditions and inspired by the Blue Ridge landscape, these works reflect both heritage and innovation. The 2026 Floyd Artisan Trail takes place Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, from noon to 5 p.m., offering a unique opportunity to meet artists, see demonstrations, and purchase work directly from makers. Bringing these artists together in one space, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the Trail experience—celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and the strong sense of community that defines Floyd’s vibrant arts culture.
Also on view, Beyond the Art Room: Creating Skills for Life features award-winning student artwork from the Floyd Elementary School Art Exhibit. This pop-up exhibition highlights creativity, growth, and the development of skills that extend beyond the classroom, offering a glimpse into the imagination and artistic achievements of young artists in the Floyd community.
A patio transformed into an outdoor oasis and entertainment area.
A patio transformed into an outdoor oasis and entertainment area.
Governor announces GO Virginia funding
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support a new portfolio of projects across the Commonwealth focused on workforce development, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, life sciences, and site development.
The projects leverage $9.5 million in local, private, and institutional investments and are projected to deliver substantial economic impact, including training more than 6,000 Virginians, creating more than 600 new jobs, supporting business growth, and strengthening Virginia’s position in high-demand industry sectors.
“GO Virginia investments are a win for families, a win for local communities, and a win both for the businesses who call Virginia home — and the companies looking to expand in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “By equipping Virginians with the skills they need to find jobs in high-demand fields, we can help set them on a course for life-long success and make sure Virginia leads the way in the competitive industries shaping the future.”
The approved portfolio reflects a comprehensive, industry-aligned strategy to grow Virginia’s economy by strengthening workforce pipelines, accelerating business development, and investing in regional assets that drive long-term competitiveness.
“These thoughtful investments demonstrate Virginia’s commitment to growing a skilled workforce and strengthening the industries that drive our economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “GO Virginia continues to help regions collaborate, innovate, and compete for long-term economic and community growth.”
In advanced manufacturing, projects will support job creation, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the full ecosystem from workforce development to commercialization. In aerospace and unmanned systems, investments will train more than 1,300 individuals and establish scalable pathways into high-growth aviation careers, reinforcing Virginia’s leadership in advanced mobility technology and innovation.
The portfolio also strengthens the life sciences, one of the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing sectors, by building coordinated talent pipelines that support job placement, internships, and apprenticeships. At the same time, investments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will expand access to high-demand skills, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and prepare more than 2,000 individuals for careers in these technology-driven fields.
Additional initiatives are focused on accelerating business growth and strengthening key industry clusters, including defense and logistics. These projects are expected to support business expansion and attraction while building more resilient supply chains across the Commonwealth. Strategic investments in site development and economic infrastructure will further enhance Virginia’s ability to compete for large-scale economic opportunities.
“Today’s investments reflect a clear commitment to addressing current needs and building a foundation for Virginia’s future economy,” said Emily O’Quinn, Chair of the GO Virginia State Board. “By aligning talent and innovation through regional collaboration, we are ensuring Virginia remains competitive in the industries driving our future.”
Since its inception in 2017, GO Virginia has strengthened regional economies through strategic collaboration across 131 localities. The program has supported the creation of more than 1,000 new businesses and 24,000 jobs by fostering innovation, workforce development, and industry growth.
Among the initiatives funded is the AM2 Initiative to Grow Advanced Manufacturing, serving Floyd and other counties, which received $4,230,160.
The AM2 Initiative is a multiregional effort to scale advanced manufacturing through coordinated investments in talent development, innovation infrastructure, and business support. The project will establish an industry consortium; develop training and credentialing programs; and provide resources for prototyping, commercialization and workforce development. By aligning education, industry, and regional strategy, the initiative will strengthen Virginia’s manufacturing ecosystem and support business growth across multiple regions.
Upcoming programs at Jessie Peterman Memorial Library
April 23- Scrabble at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, April 16th at 1:30 pm. Enjoy a challenging and fun game of Scrabble with other word enthusiasts!
April 23- Not Just Anime Club for Teens at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, April 23rd at 5 pm. Watch Anime shows and movies with friends, listen to music, talk about Manga, and learn about Japanese culture and language. Snacks and activities provided Optional: Bring something anime or manga related for "show and tell." For ages 11+. Meets the 4th Thursday each month.
April 26- Community Resilience Through Herbalism at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Sunday, April 26th at 3 pm. Join Ed Skopal of I-TAL Acres for a discussion on how gardening, apothecary creation, and herbal medicine making can help communities manage stress, build immunity, recover from disasters, increase social cohesion, and reduce reliance on unsustainable (or unethical) supply chains.
April 28- Homeschool Social at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Tuesday, April 28th at 1 pm. Meet new friends while blowing bubbles, coloring, and enjoying snacks. All ages welcome.
April 29- All Ages Storytime at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 29th at 10:30 am. Share stories, rhymes, music, and movement, and a craft as a family. Develop early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.
April 29- Big and Little Social Club at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 29th at 11:15 am. Hang out and socialize after our regular story time with other caregivers and the little ones in their care. We'll put out toys for the tots although adults are welcome to play too!
April 30- DMV Connect at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, April 30th from 10am to 4 pm. DMV will be at the library providing most of their services. Walk-ins welcome! DMV Connect closes for lunch from 12:30-1:30pm.
April 30- Scrabble at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library on Thursday, April 30th at 1:30 pm. Enjoy a challenging and fun game of Scrabble with other word enthusiasts!
May 1- The Jessie Peterman Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, May 1st for Library Staff Training. We will reopen on Saturday, May 2nd at 10 am.
