The waterfront community of Gloucester, Virginia, received an enthusiastic response from regional artists and enthusiasts during its first ever Gloucester Arts Festival. A comprehensive recap is just one click away!
Held between May 20 and 28, the first ever Gloucester Arts Festival was a resounding success, generating $49,000 in sales from 70 paintings. The event attracted more than 25 artists, who showcased their skills across eight different painting locations. Ten events were scheduled, including “a professionally hosted two-day painting workshop and live plein air competition on Gloucester’s Main Street,” the organizers wrote. Other events included a nocturne paint-out on the grounds of historic Little England Farm, an artist dinner reception and book signing, and a collectors’ gala.
Jenny Crittenden, executive director of the Cook Foundation (the event’s organizing presenter and financial sponsor) said, “The inaugural Gloucester Arts Festival was a tremendous success, from the overwhelming response we received from local art enthusiasts to the praise we received from invited artists who were so inspired by our beautiful community. It was an honor to recognize the many winners, both the invited visiting artists and the amazing local artists honing their craft right here in our backyard.”
Speaking of winners, Joe Gyurcsak took First Place at the collectors’ gala for his painting “Beecreek at Sassafras.” Abigail McBride was the Second Place winner for “Magnolia Shade,” and Carole Boggemann-Peirson earned Third Place for “Sunny Storage.” Winners from the plein air competition included Tim Bell (First Place), Lynn Mehta (Second), and Stewart White (Third). From the community artists, Jane Knighton earned First Place, Marjorie Perrin Second Place, and George Jennings Third.
To learn more, visit the Gloucester Arts Festival.
