Arts in the Middle Juried Fine Arts Festival returns to Hewick Plantation just outside Urbanna June 3-4, 2023. It is an annual destination place for art and music lovers. The ninth annual arts extravaganza provides a variety of fine visual and performing arts for families, visitors, and the community to enjoy.
The popular outdoor festival features juried visual artists from up and down the East Coast, plus separate local and student artists galleries. Two stages offer an array of outstanding musicians including musical headliner George Robinson and the Gospel Robins. Visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch with offerings from local culinary artist Adam Ginsberg and top it off with sweet treats from Seasalt LLC. The Writers’ Tent will feature readings by local authors. Our youngest visitors will delight in story time presented by the Middlesex County Public Library's children's specialist.
Admission to the festival, along with parking, is FREE! The event runs Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-3 p.m. Visitors will find signage along area roads directing them to the parking area, where they will be assisted by members of the Middlesex Kiwanis Club.
Artists
The 2023 show presents 80 artists who will have juried exhibits in their own booths on AIM's Artist Row. The exhibits will include original works of paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, glasswork, furniture, and more. The Local Artist and Student Galleries feature works from nearby artists, current and recent students from Middlesex High School and Christchurch School. (For a list of exhibiting artists and their media, go to www.artsinthemiddle.com.)
We are excited to announce the Children’s Area is back this year, including a community art project, jewelry making, paint brush making, a natural art making center, artist trading cards, and an art gallery. With the help of coordinator Blair Rhodes from Wildlings Playscapes, we have the addition of lots of stations for little artists to explore! The “I love your art” ribbons will continue to offer children the opportunity to present blue ribbons to their favorite artists.
Musicians
Music organizer Clayton Neal has put together an impressive line-up for live music throughout Saturday and Sunday on two festival music stages. New to the show this year is our headliner on the main music stage, George Robinson and the Gospel Robins. The inspiring and entertaining group has performed in a variety of settings including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, church services and community events. The Gospel Robins include - Frauline Robinson; Chriscia White; Elder John Smith; Minister Shelia Madanat; and Frances Thurston. They will perform at 3pm on the main stage on Saturday, June 3rd.
Visitors can enjoy tunes from Clayton Neal, Jeff and Sherry Wagner, Paige Melton, Gary Archer, Tom Euler Trio, The Members, Mare Wakefield and Nomad, Haze and Dacey, Justice Goldstar, The MelTones, Poisoned Dwarf, and Bill and Pam Gurley.
For more information on dates and times please visit Arts in the Middle website— https://www.artsinthemiddle.com/music.
Writers
Coming back for year three are the literary arts and historical storytellers. Scheduled readings include memoirs, area history, cooking, nature, poetry, local color and more. Find more details on the AIM website. Readings are scheduled all day Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th.
Just across the path from the Writers' Tent, the Museums of Middlesex Tent will offer historic stories, including a casual greeting from local historian Barbara Lovelace, who portrays the character Judith Robinson, an 18th Century resident of Hewick Plantation.
Arts in the Middle is dedicated to its mission of showcasing the arts in our community. Show proceeds allow AIM to support local school art programs and collaborative art events with the Middlesex Museum and Historical Society.
Bringing a show of this magnitude to fruition each year is the direct result of the tireless work of many volunteers, our generous sponsors, and the never-ending support from our community. The support for the 2023 festival is provided by a grant from The Virginia Commission of the Arts matched with funding from the Middlesex County Economic Development Authority and support from business and individual donors. The AIM Board of Directors and Planning Team thanks each for allowing them to continue the mission. Organizers encourage anyone interested in being a volunteer or sponsor to join our growing team. More information is at the website: www.artsinthemiddle.com or email artsinthemiddlefestival@gmail.com.