In June 2023, The Cook Foundation is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual event, the Gloucester Arts Festival. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a jam-packed schedule of events showcasing the very best in nationally known and local artists, sculpture, music, theater, and the Heart of the River Plein Air Invitational painting competition.
Suzanne Scott, the 2023 Festival Chair and Board Member of the Cook Foundation noted: “Since the first festival in 2017, I was impressed by the festival’s ability to manage two simultaneous feats: to bring in a mix of nationally and internationally known artists, both visual and performing, the kind you can usually only find in a much larger city; and at the same time, highlight the wonderful and talented artists that we have right here in our county.”
“I’ve been involved with the festival since 2018 and I have loved working on each one. I am delighted and honored to chair the 2023 festival this coming June.”
Now in its seventh year, the Gloucester Arts Festival is kicking off the festivities on June 2nd with the Brews, Brine, and Wine event at Machicomoco State Park. It features the Gloucester Brewing Company, Saudé Creek Vineyards, and the Cappahosic Oyster Company, all set against the stunning backdrop of the park’s natural beauty along with food trucks and live music from RaJazz. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the very first plein air painting of the festival right off the easel.
The 2023 Heart of the River Plein Air Invitational brings accomplished and nationally, and internationally, renown artists to Gloucester. As the festival grows, so does the number of artists. “There is an appetite for art that captures the beauty of Gloucester and our environs. Rolling landscapes, beautiful farms, exquisite river views, all blend with historic buildings and sites. The marinas and watermen, the dusk ‘til dawn nature of work, are ingredients for art that moves us and grounds us,” notes Festival Director Elizabeth Blackney.
Artists also capture festival events, and live music has long been a cornerstone of the public art brought to Gloucester by the Cook Foundation. On June 3rd, the artists head to Main Street to capture the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Under the Stars Concert. A must-see event for lovers of classical and contemporary music, the orchestra performs a repertoire of beloved classics under the open sky with returning conductor Helen Martell.
For those who enjoy a bit of glamour, the Cocktails in the Garden event on June 7th is the perfect opportunity to sip on cocktails, mingle with plein air artists, and admire the beauty of the garden setting.
New in 2023 is the Mathews Paint Out. Plein air artists will take to Mathews historic downtown and other locations in advance of a reception to be held that evening at the Bay School Community Arts Center. This is a wonderful opportunity for art lovers to see some of the region’s most talented artists at work, as they create stunning works of art.
The Cook Foundation opened the new Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester this year, and will host Andrew Baxter for a special gallery talk about Baxter’s conservation work with The Getty, the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art, VMFA, and the White House, as well as his work as a sculptor. Globally recognized for his expertise in patination techniques, it will be a memorable evening.
Sculptures line Main Street during the festival but this year, the community is at the center of the action. The Cook Foundation is hosting a metalworking workshop with Baxter, and launching a year-long initiative in Gloucester to create a sculpture that will be installed on Main Street. Community members and students will be asked to contribute metal and glass, through everyday objects like spoons, bike chains, and chandeliers, to be integrated into the sculpture.
On June 10th, the Plein Air Invitational culminates with Paint Main and the Heart of the River Gala. At 10:00 AM, the horn blows and signals the beginning of a “quick paint” contest. Community artists paint alongside the invited artists up and down Gloucester’s historic Main Street. That evening at Elmington Estate, art collectors and community members will attend the gala. Collectors and Patrons have the first chance to admire and purchase the paintings created during the festival, while also enjoying delicious food and wine prepared by former White House chef, Brian Marshall.
The festival continues with the popular Studio Tour organized by event chair and artist Theresa Wells Stifel of Gloucester Point. On June 16th and 17th residents and visitors will explore the studios of some of Gloucester’s most talented artists, and see firsthand the work that goes into creating their beautiful pieces like Carolyn Dudley’s immersive space with plein air and studio painting that inspires. Perrin Creek Custom Cowboy Boots returns to the Studio Tour with Steve Christo and his 100-year-old vintage machinery.
On June 24th, the much-loved Village Arts Day takes place. This is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities and entertainment for children and adults alike. Visitors can expect live music, arts and crafts, face painting, and much more. Following Village Arts Day, the Gloucester Arts Festival also sponsors the It’s A Wrap reception at Arts on Main where Heart of the River paintings are on display all month until the exhibit closes on June 30th.
Cook Foundation Founder and President, Dr. Adrianne Ryder Cook Joseph notes the Gloucester Arts Festival “The Festival brings us together and creates a place of joyful discovery and reconnection with one’s roots and oneself. From age five to 95, there will be amazing works and performances by local and international artists to enjoy and experience.”
Visitors can find more information about the festival and purchase tickets on the Gloucester Arts Festival website at GloucesterArtsFestival.com.
GLOUCESTER ARTS FESTIVAL EVENT LINE UP
Brew, Brine, & Wine
Friday, June 2, 2023
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Machicomoco State Park
Come enjoy oysters, beer, wine and food trucks while visiting the Plein Air artists who will be interpreting the beautiful surroundings on their canvases. Art, food, and beautiful scenery will make for a lovely evening for the whole family. See you there! Tickets are required for this event. Please bring your own lawn chairs.
Symphony Under the Stars
Saturday, June 3, 2023
6:00 PM - 9:45 PM
Corner of Main and Walter Reed Way
The June 3rd concert will be given by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Touted as one of the most anticipated events of the year in the community, it is expected to draw over 2,000 people to the Gloucester Village for an evening of great food and music. Symphony performance starts at 8, preceded by a performance by The Liberty Dolls at 6pm.
Meet the Artists
Monday, June 5, 2023
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
The Gloucester Arts Festival invites you to meet the Plein Air Artists of the 2023 competition. This event is open to Patrons (requires a Patron ticket purchased in advance) and gives you the unique opportunity to meet and speak with the artists personally. Patrons are also able to purchase a completed painting prior to the lottery at the gala.
Mathews Paint Out
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Bay School Community Arts Center (map)
The 2023 Plein Air Artists will be painting at various locations in Mathews County. Watch the artists at work during the day and then join us at the Bay School at 5pm for a reception. This event is free and open to the public, Patrons have a half-hour early access to view and purchase paintings.
Matt Lively - Gallery Talk
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Arts on Main
2022 Muralist Matt Lively will be at Arts on Main for a Gallery Talk on June 7th. Matt is an artist living in Richmond, Virginia. He is a sculptor, painter, muralist; has designed installations, worked on films and illustrated books. A relative newcomer to the Plein Air style of painting, Matt will talk about how he started and how you can too!
Cocktails in the Garden
Thursday, June 8, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Goshen (map)
Art and Nature…the perfect cocktail. Are you ready to sip handcrafted, specialty cocktails and watch internationally known artists paint the scenic surroundings? Then join us for Cocktails in the Garden at Goshen during the festival! Tickets required for this event.
The Boneshakers Concert
Friday, June 9, 2023
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Flat Iron Crossroads
In partnership with Gloucester Arts Festival and The Cook Foundation, during June, Flat Iron Crossroads presents The Boneshakers. Join us for an evening of funk, blues and rock music that will have you dancing! To purchase tickets, please visit Flat Iron Crossroads.
Paint Main
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tabb House Lawn
On Saturday, June 10, the 2023 Plein Air festival painters will compete in a fast-paced paint-out along Main Street from 10-12. Community painters also are welcome to register for this event and compete for separate prizes. Judging will follow on the Tabb House Lawn. After prizes have been awarded, the paintings will be available for sale fresh off the easel - and ready to hang in your home!
Plein Air Invitational Gala
Saturday, June 10, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Elmington Estate (map)
Join us for a beautiful evening in the Barn at Elmington Estate. Mingle with the Plein Air artists while nibbling on heavy hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine. Peruse all the paintings from the week and select your favorite! Tickets required for this event. Become a Patron to enjoy a private reception at 5pm with the artists and have a preview of the Heart of River Collection.
Andrew Baxter Gallery Talk
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – in person and livestreamed event
Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester
From the Hirshorn to VMFA, the White House to Gloucester, Andrew Baxter will share a presentation on art restoration and conservation, and our inner experience as artists, through the lens of his career working with the finest art institutions in the world.
Arts at Abingdon
Thursday, June 15, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
In partnership with Gloucester Arts Festival and The Cook Foundation, during June, Arts at Abingdon presents Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna. Join us for a music-filled evening at the historic Abingdon Church. For questions (or more info) please contact Alisa Bohon, Music Director at Abingdon Episcopal Church @ 804.693.3035
Studio Tour
Friday, June 16, 2023
and Saturday, June 17, 2023
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
and 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Gloucester Arts Festival invites you to experience up close and personal the beauty and craftsmanship of Gloucester County’s talented artists during the Heart of the River Open Studio Tour. Visit studios, enjoy meeting the artists, and gain insight into their vision and techniques. Painters, potters, sculptors, and a boot maker are among the varied and exciting types of media that awaits.
A Night Off Broadway
Saturday, June 17, 2023
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Gloucester County High School
Three one-act plays will be performed by different troupes including The Gloucester High School Dukes, The Williamsburg Players and Dr. Katrina Brown! Tickets are $10pp
Village Arts Day+ Artisan Market
Saturday, June 24, 2023
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Gloucester Village
Village Arts Day will include live performances with music, dancing, and Artisan Market. There will be food trucks and creative opportunities for the entire family. Visit Edgehill House, listen to a storyteller, help paint a local mural and find something special and one-of-a-kind at the Artisan Market!
It’s a Wrap!
Saturday, June 24, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Arts on Main
After Village Arts Day, join us at the final event of the season with festivalgoers, art collectors, and visitors Arts on Main to view and purchase the 2023 Heart of the River Collection. All art will be on view and available for purchase through June 30th.