June German Ball, located on Martinsville's historic Fayette Street, celebrates the vibrant culture and heritage of the Fayette Street area.
The mural depicts a fictional scene from one of Martinsville's famed June German Balls, which were popular within the African American community in the early part of the 20th century. These balls were held yearly, in the heat of June, and featured celebrated entertainers from the Jazz age like Jimmie Lunceford & His Dance Orchestra, who performed at the event in 1938.
Martinsville's June German Balls are a point of pride for the community and have become legend amongst local residents—whether or not they ever actually attended an event.
June German Ball was designed and painted by Abigail Kieselbach and Briana Amos, interns participating in the New College Institute's summer internship program; local artists Charles Hill, Iris Gillispie and Lex Hairston; Piedmont Arts intern, Ally Sneed; New College Institute's Coordinator of Experimental Learning, Katie Croft; and Piedmont Arts' Director of Marketing, Communications and Design, Bernadette Moore.
June German Ball is part of Piedmont Arts' public art program and was planned and funded by New College Institute with support from City of Martinsville and Piedmont Arts. For more on the museum's public arts program, visit www.PiedmontArts.org.
Upcoming Events
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11/01/2014 - 12/31/2024
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11/01/2014 - 12/31/2026
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11/01/2014 - 11/30/2025
Region
Last Updated: 11/06/2014
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What's Nearby
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Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum
Martinsville, VA 241120.1 MI
