Arts in the Middle Festival's local artist tent will be returning once more, highlighting the talent of locals working in fine arts media from the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Seven artists join the tent this year, including both familiar favorites and new faces: Beth Bader (Saluda) will be displaying her inventive and popular work in pottery.
Carol Chandler (Urbanna) returns with uplifting paintings of nature and wildlife.
Lynn Gillikin (Middlesex) joins for the first time with a variety of impressive fabric arts.
Michael Kunzinger (Middlesex) will show his series of both local and travel photography.
Kathie Anne Lochhead (Saluda) joins for the first time with evocative watercolors of local scenes and nature. Lauren Moye (Hartfield) returns with oil paintings, which drew attention for their upbeat color schemes depicting coastal life. Her work was selected last year for AIM's annual holiday card. Anna Pomaska (Urbanna) also joins for the first time with her acclaimed watercolors, some of which have been featured in a series by Dover Publications. Celane Roden (Saluda) will be displaying her atmospheric collection of oil paintings.
The artists will be on hand throughout both days to show, sell, and discuss their work. There is an award for the best in show in the tent. The Local tent can be found near the welcome tent at the main entrance of the show. The local tent includes both experienced artists and those new to the art world. For many this is a chance to experience selling at an outdoor show, and a number of artists have gone on to apply for their own booths at AIM and other festivals. Among these are Mary Ellen Huennekins, fabric arts; Karen Pittman, painting; and Shawna Hambley, oil painting, whom guests can visit on artist row this year.
Anyone interested in joining the local tent next year, or in being kept informed of other AIM shows locally, can learn more by contacting the local artist coordinator Michael Kunzinger at mfkunzinger@gmail.com