Würth Industry USA Blends Art and Innovation with New Virginia Exhibit

ROANOKE, VA – June 25, 2026 – Würth Industry USA, a leading industrial distributor, announced today its inaugural juried art exhibition, an ambitious initiative that bridges the worlds of industrial technology and fine art. Titled “Move Forward,” the exhibition invites Virginia’s collegiate artists to explore themes of innovation and progress, with winning works set to form the foundation of a new corporate art collection in the United States.

This event marks a significant expansion of a long-standing cultural tradition for its parent company, the German-based Würth Group, a global giant in fastening and assembly technology. The exhibition will be held in Roanoke on November 5, 2026, signaling a major investment in the state's cultural landscape and offering a unique platform for emerging artists.

A Legacy of Art Patronage Arrives in America

The decision by Würth Industry USA to launch a fine art collection is not a sudden foray into the arts but rather the extension of a deep-rooted corporate philosophy. For over six decades, the Würth Group has cultivated one of Europe's most significant private art collections. This commitment began in the 1960s when Reinhold Würth, who transformed his father's small screw business into a global enterprise, began acquiring modern and contemporary art.

Today, the Würth Collection is a monumental assembly of over 20,000 pieces, spanning from the late Middle Ages to the present day. It includes masterpieces by artistic luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Max Beckmann, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and David Hockney. The Group’s philosophy has always been to make art accessible, integrating it directly into the corporate environment and sharing it with the public. This is realized through a network of 15 dedicated museums and art galleries across Europe, all of which offer free admission to foster a broad appreciation for culture.

By establishing an art exhibition in Roanoke, the U.S. division is planting a flag for this cultural legacy on American soil. The “Move Forward” exhibition mirrors the global strategy of embedding art within the company's identity, connecting its industrial mission of progress with the creative interpretation of that very concept.

"Move Forward": A Canvas for Virginia's Next Generation

The theme of the exhibition, “Move Forward,” is a direct nod to Würth Industry USA's role in providing solutions that help its customers innovate and advance. The company is now challenging Virginia’s student artists to interpret this theme through their own creative lenses, exploring concepts of growth, progress, and momentum.

This competition presents a powerful opportunity for students enrolled in the state’s numerous and respected collegiate art programs, from nationally ranked schools like VCUarts to other strong departments across Virginia. For these emerging artists, the exhibition is more than just a showcase; it is a professional launchpad. The juried format ensures a high standard of selection, and the awarding of first, second, and third-place prizes provides both financial support and critical validation.

Perhaps most significantly, the winning pieces will be acquired to form the genesis of the Würth Industry USA Fine Art Collection. Inclusion in a permanent corporate collection, especially one linked to the prestigious Würth name, is a major career milestone that can open doors to galleries, further exhibitions, and future patronage. The event on November 5th will also serve as a crucial networking opportunity, connecting young talent with corporate leaders and the wider arts community.

Fostering Culture and Community in Roanoke

The choice to host this inaugural event in Roanoke highlights a deliberate commitment to enriching the communities where the company operates. Roanoke boasts a vibrant and expanding arts scene, anchored by institutions like the Taubman Museum of Art, and Würth’s initiative adds a significant new layer of corporate support to this cultural ecosystem.

“As a family-owned company, we believe that strong communities are essential to long-term success,” said Chapman Revercomb, President of Würth Industry USA, in a statement. “Supporting arts and cultural organizations helps enrich the places where our employees and customers live and work, creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and community pride for generations to come.”

This sentiment reflects a modern understanding of corporate social responsibility, where investment in culture is seen as an investment in community well-being and vitality. The exhibition is poised to generate positive local impact, drawing visitors to Roanoke and potentially stimulating the local economy. More importantly, it sets a powerful precedent for corporate engagement in the arts, potentially inspiring other companies to contribute to the region's cultural growth and solidifying Roanoke's reputation as a city that values creativity and innovation.

Exhibition Details and Participation

The “Move Forward” juried art show is open to all artists currently enrolled in a Virginia college or university. The competition welcomes a wide array of two-dimensional and mixed-media works, with eligible categories including painting, drawing, digital prints, photography, printmaking, fiber, and mixed media. All submitted works must be original and completed within the last three years.

A panel of jurors will evaluate the submissions against established criteria, with a focus on artistic merit, technical skill, and thematic relevance. The entry deadline for artists is October 9, 2026. The exhibition and awards ceremony will take place on the evening of November 5, 2026, at the company’s facility at 1 Avery Row in Roanoke. Further details on submission guidelines and eligibility requirements are available on the Würth Industry USA website.