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An Occasion for the Arts, in Its 53rd year, will include 145 Artists from 22 States. While last year’s Festival was virtual, this fall’s in-person event will celebrate togetherness, inclusion And wellness. Bank Of America is the Presenting Sponsor for the free event.
“This is an important weekend in Williamsburg and we’re just so happy to be able to celebrate together again,” said Nancy Wigley, president of An Occasion for the Arts. “A lot of people felt loss last year in a number of ways.”
That’s among the reasons An Occasion for the Arts will elevate its youth art offerings centered around the theme “My COVID Experience.”
Student art curated from teachers in Williamsburg/James City and Upper York County schools will reflect that theme, and the festival will debut a video component, the Youth Art Video Showcase. Entries are now being accepted of documentary and animation videos reflecting students’ individual COVID experiences.
Thanks to a grant from the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission, new displays were purchased to showcase the youth art.
“Youth art has always been important, but in the past, we didn’t give it as much attention,” Wigley said. “Our youth gave up and missed out on a lot last year. We want to make sure we honor what they’re doing.”
While the festival showcases the art of local, regional and national artists, visitors can actually engage in making their own art. One of the more engaging activities will come from Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum at nearby William and Mary. He will create individual puzzles of world figures that stand eight to nine feet tall with the pieces velcroid on. Individuals or groups are invited to remove pieces and create something on them using mixed media materials. The pieces are then returned.
“When they’re all put back together, you have a mosaic,” said Robin Markowitz, Executive Director of An Occasion for the Arts. “The mosaic is not only referencing the community that has built it, but the fact that we need each other to be complete.”
Art therapists from the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center at William and Mary will host discussions and projects that help people center themselves around their creativity.
“It will be like having a guide help you fulfill your inner peace through art,” Markowitz said.
The multiple opportunities for engagement distinguish this 2021 festival. “We’re upping our game to make sure we’re offering an opportunity for people to take part rather than just observe,” Wigley said. “We encourage interaction. This is not a one-way event.”
The juried show will highlight 2-D and 3-D mixed media; photography; painting; fiber; wood; metal; sculpture; jewelry; ceramics; digital; glass; drawing and pastels; and graphics and printmaking.
Blues, jazz, rap, folk, acoustic rock, Celtic and bluegrass bands will perform both days along with a youth flute choir and historic music from Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drams. The Virginia Regional Ballet will present a family oriented dance program.
Magician William the Conjurer, known for his delightful illusions, is on the Saturday schedule.
“We’re focused on a wide variety of music and entertainment,” Wigley said. “There’s something for everyone.”
Additional sponsors of the festival include Alewerks Brewing Company, Artifact Interface, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Chesapeake Bank, Colonial Williamsburg, Cornerstone Wealth, Decorating Den Interiors, Merchants Square, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Wells Fargo Advisors, Williamsburg Area Arts Commission and Virginia Beer Company.
Event organizers also received a grant from the City of Williamsburg to help with more robust and expanded outreach into the community, as well as ensure the event has all the protocols in place for the health and safety of guests. The festival will follow all state and local COVID-related protocols.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL AT AOFTA.ORG. FOR A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS,
VISIT AOFTA.ORG/SCHEDULE.