Art on the Avenue’s 15th birthday celebration was bigger and better than ever before, according to organizers and patrons.
Rain and cold weather threatened early, but by noon on Saturday, the sun was shining and the temperature had risen to comfortable levels. The crowds were even larger than many had expected, some estimating as high as 25,000 people had strolled up and down Mt. Vernon Avenue.
There were more vendors this year as well. The avenue was lined with photographs of area street scenes, paintings of all types, wood carvings and burnings, silver and ceramic jewelry, clothing, floor and wall coverings, quilts and much more.
Musical entertainment was also plentiful and offered something for everyone, from jazz to bluegrass and gospel to rock. There was also food to tempt everyone from cotton candy for the younger set to Indian cuisine for the more discriminating palate.
ART ON THE FENCE, new this year, displayed art work from five Alexandria schools: Maury Elementary School, Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Grace Episcopal Day School, St. Rita’s School and T. C. Williams High School. Some of the young artists chose to produce self portraits while others painted their favorite animals.