
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.

Vote for Your Favorites!
Virginia Living's Best of Virginia 2025 Contest is now closed, but you can still vote for The Bay School and Art Speaks Gallery in Coastal Virginia Magazine's 2025 Best of Reader's Choice Contest. Voting ends midnight March 7. Show your support for all your favorite businesses, services, events, etc. throughout Virginia. We'd love you to vote for us in the various categories we're competing in, too!

Snow date! Now March 2: Portuguese Progressive Dinner
Join us for a delicious exploration of Portuguese cuisine and delightful conversation as we enjoy appetizers and drinks at the Art Speaks Gallery then move to The White Dog Bistro for a five-course dinner. Many thanks to Sherri and Harvey Hamm for sponsoring this event! Ticket sales end February 23, so don't delay!

Jan 31-Feb 24: Fantastic Fiber! in the Art Speaks Gallery
Come explore this exciting exhibition of work by Virginia fiber artists. Thank you to Roanes Antiques at The Cottage for sponsoring the exhibition.

Feb 22: Upcycled Fashion Show
All proceeds from this event will go to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Come support a worthy cause and enjoy a creative twist on fashion apparel. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10.
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Shop Our Valentine Day Sale!
Learn More & Shop OnlineExpress your affection for your loved one with a one-of-kind, handcrafted gift on Valentines Day!
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Bay School Wins Best Booth at the Rotary Club of Mathews 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off
See the picturesIf you missed it, drop by The Bay School and pick up a quart of our chili for $8/each. Quite tasty and will definitely warm you up on a "chilly" winter night!
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Feb/Mar Artist of the Month: Lindsay Phaup
Learn More & Shop Her CollectionCome visit the Art Speaks Gallery during the months of February and March and view the imaginative work of Lindsay Phaup!
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Call for Design Proposals: Mathews County 250 Committee "Revolution of Ideas" LOVEworks Project
Learn More & Download the ProspectusesDeadline: February 24
The Bay School in partnership with the Mathews County 250 Committee is soliciting proposals from artists interested in creating LOVEworks signs to be installed at Callis Wharf and Williams Wharf.
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Call for Entries: 2025 Art Speaks Juried Exhibition
Learn More & Download the ProspectusDeadline: March 1
Submission opens December 1, 2024 for The Bay School's 12th Annual Art Speaks Juried Exhibition.
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Call for Entries: Idioms in Art Exhibition
Download the ProspectusDeadline: February 20
Exhibition: February 28-March 24Eligible artwork should illustrate an idiom or popular expression, such as "we are all in the same boat” or “don’t cry over spilt milk.” Acceptable media include fiber, hanging art, wearables, 3D sculpture, pottery, multimedia, collage, jewelry, etc.
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Take Advantage of Great Deals on Handcrafted Ceramics!
Learn MoreThe Crafted in Clay pottery sale has been extended thru February 15. Stop by the Art Speaks Gallery to pick up something special at a great price!
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Art Kits to Go Available!
Learn More & PurchaseGet our latest Art Kits to Go before supplies run out! You can come by the gallery and pick one up or get it online.
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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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2025 Winter-Spring Classes Open for Enrollment
View & Enroll in ClassesWe have something for EVERYONE! Our 2025 Winter-Spring 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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Enroll Your Kids in OpenArts After School!
Learn More & EnrollEnrollment for 2025 is now open. This vibrant, fun, and FREE program is open to all school-age children and youth whether they attend public or private school or are home-schooled. Although free, enrollment is required as space is limited.
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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!
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We LOVE Our Volunteers!
Learn MoreWant to be part of a fun-loving, creative community? Consider volunteering with us at one of our many events or exhibitions.