The Montgomery Museum of Art & History Hosts Blues Art Exhibit and Traveling Christiansburg Institute History Exhibit

In a rich celebration of local history and art, the Montgomery Museum is hosting two exhibits: Portraits of the Blues developed in collaboration with the New River Blues Society and the traveling exhibit Shining a Light on Christiansburg Institute from Christiansburg Institute, Inc. The museum is pleased to share these two special exhibits with the community.

Portraits of the Blues is developed in collaboration with the New River Blues Society and Christiansburg Institute, Inc. Featuring two talented artists, Anne Waldrop and Ken Pease, this art exhibit presents painted depictions of popular Blues musicians and singers. This art exhibit offers a creative, colorful, and musical representation of Blues musicians, demonstrating not only the talent of the featured artists, but also the immense degree of inspiration created by the Blues genre. While taking in a glimpse of the Blues, you can also learn more about Montgomery County music history in special collaborative history panels designed with Christiansburg Institute, Inc.

Christiansburg Institute, Inc. is thrilled to be part of this dynamic collaborative exhibit, which delves into the profound role of music in African American culture across the New River Valley and beyond. For over a century, music—whether through the Virginia Singers, marching band, choir, or glee club—brought life and vibrancy to Christiansburg Industrial Institute. The Shining a Light traveling exhibit and selection of loaned artifacts from the Christiansburg Institute Museum & Archives help tell this rich and enduring story.

Join us at the reception for Portraits of the Blues and Christiansburg Institute’s Shining a Light traveling exhibit on Thursday, March 27 from 5 - 7:00 PM! Food and refreshments will be served. Live Blues music will be performed during the reception.