Tucked away among the rivers and creeks of the Chesapeake Bay, Mathews County packs an artistic punch that belies its small size: just 8,500 souls call its winding roads and fertile fields home. But this isn’t just another rural community—it’s an unexpected creative hotspot.
At its core is the Bay School Community Arts Center. But it’s not your average art space—it’s the creative engine driving an outsized artistic revolution.
Basketry. Fiber arts. Jewelry. Stained glass. Pottery. Music. Culinary creativity. The Bay School not only offers classes, but it also ignites passions across every medium imaginable, offering people of all ages and abilities opportunities to learn, experience, and appreciate the arts.
In addition, the Bay School’s events and exhibitions enrich their footprint. With a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts partnership backing its reputation, this small-town arts center proves that in Mathews County, artistic ambition isn’t measured by population size.
This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.
