Artists rally for Surry’s Rural Hall
‘Colors’ exhibit and reception to raise money through art for 155-year-old community building
Aug. 11, 2026
Surry Rural Hall. Photo courtesy of Julie Lord.
By Marilyn Eckberg
SURRY—The Surry Rural Hall Association will present its 6th Annual Exhibit and Sale "Colors" on Aug. 16.
More than three dozen Surry artists are offering their work for sale, helping to raise funds for upgrades and maintenance of their historic community center.
The 155-year-old building in East Surry has stood for so long that the back door now faces the main road at 680 Surry Road. The front of Rural Hall opened onto an older route when East Surry extended all the way to the Union River.
Ulysses S. Grant was president when the civic-minded women of the East Surry Sewing Circle raised enough money selling shares and handiwork to finance building a community center on a piece of donated land. As with many early New England societies, Surry residents recognized the need for a place to gather and meet for the common good.
Starting in 1871, builders erected a structure so solid that existing siding, floors, windows and glass are all original. Over the decades, Rural Hall has hosted meetings, bean suppers, Sunday school, weddings, dances, a Farm Bureau and a Christmastime festival of trees. Rural Hall has been home to the Surry Garden Club since 1937.
Today, the building boasts indoor plumbing and electricity. It has a new roof and fresh exterior paint. The 1920s-era upstairs kitchen has been left charmingly intact, complete with period appliances, glassware and crockery.
The hall, which is listed on the National Historic Register, now needs wheelchair access and interior paint. For the past five years, Surry artists have responded to the need for the maintenance of this special place belonging to the whole community.
Everyone is invited to the festive opening celebration for the show, which will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres, music and art. Purchasing a painting or a work of art contributes to the communities' ongoing mission of preserving the heritage and culture of its cherished Rural Hall.
The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m on Sunday, Aug. 16, and will feature works from various local artists such as those below, including painting, pottery and photographs.
