
Our Mission
The Bay School Community Arts Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide people of all ages and abilities opportunities to learn, experience, and appreciate the arts. Through excellence and diversity in classes, exhibits, lectures, and performances, The Bay School is a gathering place for all.

May 30-Jul 21: Art That Tells a Story
Please join us for the opening reception May 30, 5-7 pm in the Art Speaks Gallery where you can meet the show's artists: Collette Mann, Petya Ivanova, and Chris Jeanguenat.

June 18: Cuban Progressive Dinner
Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and an authentic Cuban dinner June 18 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets on sale through June 11

June 21: Family Arts & Barks Festival
Spend a fun-filled, family-friendly day with your favorite people AND your dog! This event is cohosted by Canine Companions and promises to be a tail-wagging delight for all!

July 13: Faerie Tea
The Bay School is once again holding our very special and popular Faerie Tea this summer.
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Vote for the Bay School Community Arts Center in the Best of the Rivah 2025 Contest!
Vote NOW!The Rivah Guide is holding its Best of the Rivah 2025 contest. We'd love your support by voting for us in the following categories: Place to Find Rivah Art, Festival, and Summer Camp. Voting ends July 7 at 5:00 pm. Thanks for your support!
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Jul 17: Tasting Virginia Wines
Learn More & Purchase TicketsWe're back with another popular wine tasting this summer focusing on the vineyards and wineries of Virginia.
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June Artist of the Month: Christine Dunkle
Learn MoreVisit the Art Speaks Gallery in June to see firsthand the textural creations of Christy Dunkle.
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Spring 2025 OpenArts After School Kids' Art Show
See the PicsTo celebrate the ending of school and beginning of summer, OpenArt After School kids showed off their work in the Art Speaks Gallery
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Get Our Newest Art Kit to Go!
View Available Kits & PurchaseWe currently have three different Art Kits to Go that will ignite the creative spark in you! Come by the gallery and pick one up or get it online.
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Mathews Plein Air 2025
Get More Information and RegisterRegistration is now open for artists wanting to participate in Mathews Plein Air 2025, September 18-20. This event is part of Mathews ArtFest which runs throughout the month of September.
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Mathews Paint Out Reception Hosted by The Bay School
Learn Who Won!As part of the Gloucester Arts Festival, The Bay School welcomed participating artists and the public to view and celebrate the work of the plein air artists who competed throughout the day in the Mathews Paint Out.
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Virginia Living Spotlights The Bay School
Read the ArticleIn this year's Best of Virginia 2025 edition of Virginia Living, editor-in-chief Madeline Mayhood highlighted The Bay School.
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Enroll Your Kids in This Year's C4K Community Camp
Learn MoreRunning August 4-8 from 10 AM-3PM, kids ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun sessions with the Mathews Memorial Library, The Bay School Community Arts Center, Mathews Maritime Foundation, Mathews Master Gardeners, and a field trip to CA&J Farm. The week will conclude with a field day August 8.
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2025 Summer-Fall Classes and Kids' Summer Art Camps Online for Enrollment
View & Enroll in Classes and Art CampsWe have something for EVERYONE! Our 2025 Summer-Fall classes are now online and open for enrollment, and you can download a copy of the catalog. You can also request a hard copy of our newest class catalog.
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Join The Bay School's Creative Circle Open Studio
Learn MoreWe're starting the New Year with a new opportunity for artists to get together, share ideas, and make art in a community environment. The Creative Circle meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Participation is FREE; come to one session or come to all.
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Become a Volunteer!
Learn More About VolunteeringWant to be part of a fun-loving, creative community? Consider volunteering with us at one of our many events or exhibitions. We are currently seeking additional volunteers to help out with:
- Cuban Progressive Dinner, Wednesday June 18. Sign Up Here
- Family Arts & Barks Festival craft booths, Saturday June 21. Sign Up Here to work a booth
- Family Arts & Barks Festival on June 21. Lots of jobs to fill! Sign Up Here
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Enjoy the Benefits of Membership!
Learn MoreStart 2025 off by becoming part of a vibrant community of art lovers and creative individuals of all ages. The Bay School recently updated and improved our membership program to offer our community even more reasons to join us!