The 11th annual Arts in the Middle Fine Arts Festival brought approximately 3,000 visitors to Urbanna on June 7 and 8.
The popular outdoor festival featured juried visual artists from around the country, as well as local and student artists galleries, and two venues offered an array of both acclaimed and emerging musicians.
This year’s show presented more than 100 artists, arriving from states as far away as Florida and Kentucky. Juried artists exhibited in their own booths on AIM’s Artist Row offering original paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and more. The Local Artist Tent provided exhibit space for 17 artists from the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, while the Emerging Artist Tent showcased the work of local high school students and recent graduates who are pursuing a career in the arts. (For a list of exhibiting artists and their media, go to www.artsinthemiddle.org). Visitors walked along the historic lane under beautiful trees viewing and purchasing favorite pieces of art. Many tasted Old City Barbecue’s array of sandwiches and tacos and Sea Salt LLC’s ice cream while enjoying the event.
Music Coordinator Clayton Neal put together a widely acclaimed musical program for both the main stage and acoustic stage including headliner, The Bobby Blackhat Band, as well as local favorites like the Tom Euler Trio, George Robinson and the Gospel Robins, and Jumbo Lump Daddy and the Backfin Boys.
AIM’s children’s area offered a variety of art activities for children. It was organized by Blair Rhodes. With a sign warning “no adults allowed unless accompanied by a child,” Rhodes created a unique environment for young ones with hands-on art projects and crafts, a painting project guided by local artist Lauren Moye, and a special area in which they could experiment with naturally created materials and colors. The “I love your art” ribbons offered Junior judges the opportunity to present blue ribbons to their favorite artists. (Local artist Kathy Reichert was the recipient of a surely record-breaking 10 ribbons!)
The 2025 show was judged by Ward Saunders of Virginia Commonwealth University. Awards were handed out during a reception Saturday evening. Best in Show was awarded to Kathleen Hutter, (Louisa), painter. Second Place was awarded to Richard Toft (Accomack), painter. Brie Hayden (Richmond) won Best Painting; Best Photography, Wendy Woodell (Newport News); Best Jewelry, Alexander Bowen (Keswick); and Best Three-Dimensional, Jason Benkendorf (Hopewell), wood. Honorable Mention was given to Carol Clay (Greensboro, N.C.), fiber; Eric Moore (Pomaria, S.C.), sculpture; and Rachel Newman (Bluffton, S.C.), painting.
