More than 200 artists, working in every medium, will fill the center of King Street from the Potomac River to Washington Street on Sept. 8 and 9. The occasion is Alexandria's Fifth Annual Festival of the Arts.
Beginning at 10 a.m. both mornings Old Town will come alive with artists and their creations joined by a host of art enthusiasts and buyers. Saturday will be capped off with an 8 p.m. concert of contemporary music by the Al Williams Band at Oronoco Bay Park followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Fulfilling the promise of Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille to restage the canceled pyrotechnics of July 7, both the concert and fireworks are new additions to this year's art extravaganza, which will close at 5 p.m. Sunday. During those two days there will be no vehicle traffic on King Street between Washington Street and the river, creating an urban outdoor art gallery.
"Festival-goers will enjoy a wide range of art for every taste in every medium. This is truly one of our best shows with some of the newest talent on the contemporary scene," said Howard Alan, event organizer.
Julia Gillmore of Inglewood, Ontario, is one such artist who is known for her colorful acrylic paintings of retro objects including parking meters, gas pumps and telephone booths. C.G. Woody Jones of Decatur, Ga., will display his wooden mechanical amusement park that can be personalized for any buyer. For jewelry aficionados, there is the work of Barbara Cook, Weaverville, N.C., made from semi-precious stones from around the globe.
Among the 200-plus artisans are six Alexandrians with works in watercolors, acrylic, photography, and oils. Among the local contingent is the American folk artist Patricia Palermino whose work hangs not only in the White House but also in many Alexandria homes as it depicts many local events such as the annual Christmas Walk Parade.
More than $15 million in spectacular paintings; life-size sculptures, in wood and metals; handcrafted jewelry of all varieties; photography, ceramics, mixed media, calligraphy; as well as a wide variety of objects for the home and office such as clocks, furniture, stoneware, and much, much more, will fill the King Street outdoor "gallery."
In addition to browsing and buying, festival attendees also have the opportunity to meet and talk with artists on a one-on-one basis. There is also the possibility to commission an individualized work.
Artists for this show were selected by an independent panel of judges from more than 1,000 submissions, according to Howard Alan Events. That is why the Old Town Festival of the Arts is now ranked as one of the top art fairs in the nation.
In addition to having ready access to a wide array of art and artists in the show, festival participants can also enjoy the many shops, restaurants and galleries along the seven block event corridor, as well as to the north, south, on upper King Street and along the Old Town docks. Dining choices have been further enhanced by the addition of outdoor dining by nearly all Old Town eateries.
"The entire weekend will celebrate the rich history and culture of this city. The arts and the waterfront, combined with the many shops and restaurants in the area, make this one of Old Town's top weekends each year," said Janet Barnett, deputy director, Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs.
In addition to the main show up and down King Street there are a variety of other events that offer visitors and residents alike additional insights to Old Town Alexandria's art heritage. Some of those include "Art Activated at the Torpedo Factory Art Center;" "Children in the Churchyard" at Christ Episcopal Church, 118 N. Washington St.; and "Bosma Dancers," a contemporary dance company based in Northern Virginia.
Visitors to the Festival are encouraged to take Metro's Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Metro Station in Old Town Alexandria. From the station, take DASH or Metrobus to Washington Street.
For those driving, convenient parking garages and lots are available both north and south of King Street. One of the most convenient is the City Parking Garage beneath Market Square at Alexandria City Hall. The entrance is located in the 100 block of North Fairfax Street.
Old Town Alexandria's Historic District is served by DASH lines AT3, AT4, and the AT3-4 Loop. DASH information is available by calling 703-370-3274 or visiting www.dashbus.com. For Metrobus information call 202-637-7000 or visit www.wmata.com. For a parking map call the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association at 703-838-4200 or visit www.funside.com. For additional information visit www.artfestival.com or e-mail cheryl.lawrence@alexandriava.gov.