Arts in the Middle fest marks 10th anniversary this Saturday, Sunday • SSentinel.com

The Arts in the Middle Juried Fine Arts Festival returns to Hewick Plantation, just outside Urbanna, this Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, celebrating 10 years.

It is an annual destination place for art and music lovers. The 10th annual arts extravaganza provides a variety of fine visual and performing arts for families, visitors, and the community to enjoy.

Arts in the Middle features juried visual artists from up and down the East Coast, plus separate local and emerging artists galleries. Two stages offer an array of outstanding musicians, including musical headliner George Robinson and the Gospel Robins. Visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch with offerings from local culinary artist T-Boyeés Couillon Bon LLC and top it off with sweet treats from Seasalt LLC. Young artists will love the additions to the children’s area from Wildings Playscapes.

Admission to the festival, along with parking, is free. The event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Visitors will find signage along area roads directing them to the parking area, where they will be assisted by members of the Middlesex County Kiwanis Club.

Artists

The 2024 show presents 100 artists, who will have juried exhibits in their own booths on AIM’s Artist Row. The exhibits will include original works of paintings, photography, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, glasswork, furniture, and more.

Musicians

Music organizer Clayton Neal has put together an impressive line-up for live music throughout Saturday and Sunday on two festival music stages. Returning this year is our headliner on the main music stage, George Robinson and the Gospel Robins.

Judge

Aesthetic consultant Maggie Edwards has been chosen as the AIM 2024 judge. She has 20 years of experience in the creative field with work in university, fine arts nonprofit, museum, and gallery settings. Maggie received her bachelor’s degree in fine art and art history from George Washington University.

Other arts activities

Organizers said they were excited to announce the children’s area is back this year. Blair Rhodes from Wildings Playscapes has created another amazing lineup of children’s activities that include: a community art project, artist trading cards, wood cookie self portraits, hammered art prints, a nature loom, a “starving artist cafe” and a play area that includes hula hoops and bubbles.