One of Arts in the Middle Festival’s returning artists, William H. Clarke was honored recently for having his artworks selected to be on display in the Governor's Mansion. His two artworks “Higher Ground” and “School Bus” were selected for “The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. (“Higher Ground” is on loan from Claire and Thomas Stevens of Richmond and “School Bus'' is on loan from The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia.) The Governor’s office states, “This exhibition features artwork and artifacts that portray the spirit of Virginia - its past, its present, its landscape, and its people. The exhibition highlights works from a mix of genres and mediums with particular focus on Virginia artists and themes. It is a living display which will evolve and change over time as additional works of art become available and as different parts of the Virginia story become the focus.”
William H. Clarke posing next to “School Bus” which is hung in the Mansion’s North Ballroom. “Clarke has been participating in the Arts in the Middle Festival almost since the beginning of this festival. Many patrons come to the festival looking for his work. I also love that he enjoys our area when he is here. He stays with the same host home family and brings his boat to enjoy fishing as time allows during the festival. We are so proud of him and are honored to say he is a part of our festival'' says Arts in the Middle Festival Coordinator, Brindley Lowe Sears.
From left, William H. Clark and his brother, James L. Clarke pose with Virginia First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Sources: