Two Art Events in September- Why they Both Matter
The growing multitude of talented, diverse artists in the
Fredericksburg area has spawned not one, but two large-scale events for the
public to enjoy and interact with working artists on the streets of our fair
city during the month of September.
Both events:
·
are led
by a dedicated core of local artists who want to promote fellow artists and
interact with the public who might not otherwise witness the artistic process
in person.
·
are free
to the public and every artist who participates.
·
will
bring people to the downtown area to shop, dine, and develop/ continue relationships
with artists while they work- which in turn leads to increased art sales and
gallery visits.
·
have a Facebook/
web presence and continuing opportunities
related to the main event.
·
do not offer awards- there is no competitive
element driving either event.
I
am speaking of Art Attack on September 14-15 and the Via Colori Street Painting
Festival on September 21-22. There are unlimited reasons to participate and/or
support both events, essentially respect for and camaraderie with artists. An art mentor once said to me “A rising tide
lifts all ships”, meaning all artists can support one another to boost morale,
and in turn, increase sales of every artist.
These words are especially important when most other events result in a
highly competitive atmosphere. Both Art
Attack and Via Colori celebrate the uniqueness of every participant in an
inclusive atmosphere.
There are
differences between both events, which is good.
Art Attack
is a grass-roots, volunteer-led effort to celebrate and expose the talents of
the local art community. Artists supply
their own materials, eliminating the need for a budget, and choose their
subject and medium. They are offered the
chance to show and sell the resulting art in a professional gallery setting,
LibertyTown Arts Workshop, which is the largest venue of its kind in the
area. Art Attack offers an innovative,
interactive, and valuable event opportunity for an unlimited number of artists
and visitors.
Via Colori
is a licensed event and currently a fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Area
Museum by offering sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. The event’s
financial supporters, volunteers, and directors lend assistance in a variety of
ways. Their support enables a tremendous amount of advertising, workshops and instruction
from talented local and international street artists, and all art supplies will
be provided. Artists choose an image
prior to the festival that is respectful of all ages attending and then
recreate it on the pavement as a temporary large pastel painting. Drawing and painting skills, creating while
talking with many people, and working outdoors on the pavement are the main
requirements for this centuries-old European art style, which is making a huge
comeback in the form of large festivals. There are stages with local musicians
performing alongside the artists. A children’s area will have chalks provided
for spontaneous creations, and local food vendors will offer treats. Over 5,000 people daily have attended the past
three years of the festival. The artwork is ephemeral, yet the photographs and
impressions last forever for all involved, and each artist feels appreciated
and supported by many. A new bonus this year: several local featured artists
will be hired for their appearances and creations.
The eternal
optimist, I am confident that artists have more options than ever to be a part of
downtown public events and will drum up an increasing awareness of what many of
us do for a living. I hope to see you at
both events!
Mirinda Reynolds
Local artist
Via Colori Representative
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