One of the region’s most popular annual events – The “Arts in the Middle” Spring Fine Arts Festival – returns to historic Hewick Estate June 6-7 this year, a bucolic setting in the heart of Urbanna. Attracting thousands of visitors near and far, the much-anticipated event features more than 100 juried artists from around the East Coast and beyond, as well as award-winning local artists and student artists from the region. The event runs Saturday June 6 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday June 7 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission and parking are free.
“We are delighted to bring Arts in the Middle back for its 12th year to our growing audience,” says Michael Kunzinger, AIM president. “AIM offers something for everyone.”
Continues Kunzinger, “We are especially proud of the quality of artists we have attracted. We’re lucky to count some of the region’s most notable fine artists among our exhibitors, and many have been with us since the festival’s inception.”
Music organizers Heather Dodson and Clayton Neal have secured 14 different bands and solo artists to entertain throughout both days on two different stages at the venue. “We have a fantastic lineup of musicians,” Neal says, “The musical genres range from pop to jazz; blues to country.” This year’s headliner is the Bobby BlackHat Band, bringing their version of soulful Memphis, Chicago and Delta style blues.
Additionally, there is a children’s tent with activities that include hands-on art projects, games, toys and crafts. “Our goal is to give children the opportunity to create art and learn to appreciate art in a meaningful way,” says Children’s Area organizer Blair Rhodes.
Attendees can also enjoy an array of food and drink with visiting vendors Dragon Run Dogs and Small Town Burger, as well as wine, champagne, beer and other drinks from the beverage tent.
However, the focus of the weekend will be the juried artists working in a variety of mediums – watercolor and acrylic painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile art, glasswork, jewelry, metal work and much more. A number of awards are presented at Saturday evening’s artist reception, including best in show for separate mediums, with honorable mentions. This year’s judge is Christopher B. Wagner, an accomplished sculptor from the College of William & Mary. Wagner received his BA in art history and sculpture from Georgetown College and an MFA from Edinboro University.
“The Arts in the Middle event is always on my calendar each year,” says local resident Judy Mansfield. “I’m always finding something unique and beautiful for my home or gifts for family and friends at a wonderful price point. I don’t ever miss it!”
LOCAL AND STUDENT ARTISTS OPPORTUNITIES
Local artists from the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck are invited to exhibit at the local artists tent, a shared gallery space created to highlight those artists who live in the area, but who may not be exhibiting in a tent of their own on artist’s row. “The local artists are the backbone of our mission,” Kunzinger says. “They’re really dedicated to building an arts community here, and many have gone on to serve on the planning team, or use their experience to prepare for further opportunities.”
Local artists are given space for at least five pieces or a table if working in 3D media. A $50 fee helps cover the cost of the tent.
AIM also offers opportunities for student artists (current high school, enrolled in an arts related field at college, or recent college graduates) to display their work at the event. The 2026 festival will be Lauren Ahnemann’s seventh year participating in AIM. Ahnemann, a recent VCU graduate, encourages other art students to share their works during the weekend. “It’s a great event for student artists who want to try an outdoor show for the first time. Everyone is supportive and positive!” says Ahnemann. Interested student artists must have at least five pieces to display and must be fully available for the show dates and times. There is a $25 fee.
ABOUT ARTS IN THE MIDDLE
Arts in the Middle, founded in 2014, is a nonprofit organization promoting the fine arts in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. This year’s festival is made possible in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, matched by the Middlesex County Economic Development Authority as well as the River Counties Community Foundation.
In addition to the annual festival, AIM hosts events to promote the arts including the Christmas Gallery in Urbanna, the Arts at the Point Gallery Point in Deltaville, and the Retrospective Art Show in collaboration with the Middlesex Museum. It also provides financial support to art rooms at local schools.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the festival as well as other events. Interested parties are invited to contact artsinthemiddlefestival@gmail.com.
Poster artwork by Lauren Ahnemann and photography by Billy Garrett.
MUSIC SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH
Acoustic Stage
• 10:15am - 11:30am
Eileen Edmonds solo
• 11:45am - 1:00pm
Jeff and Sherry Wagner/ aka
Harmony Hollow
• 1:15pm - 2:30pm
Tom Euler solo
• 2:45pm - 4:00pm
Lana Puckett and Kim
Person duo
Main Café Stage
• 10:45am - 12:00pm
Roxy Coke and Jeff Taber
• 12:15pm - 1:30pm
Hunter Owens
• 1:45pm - 3:00pm
Bobby BlackHat Blues Band
• 3:15pm - 4:30pm
Ramblin’ Jake and Thru With
Therapy Band
SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH
Acoustic Stage
• 11:30am - 12:30pm
Troy Breslow solo
• 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Justice/Goldstar Duo
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Morgan Stewart solo
Main Café Stage
• 11:30am - 12:30pm
Liz Nance and Russell Lawson
• 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Karl Werne
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Jumbo Lump Daddy and the
Backfin Boys