WILLIAMSBURG — An Occasion for the Arts (AOFTA) is coming back to Williamsburg’s Merchants Square on Oct. 5 and 6.
Now in its 56th year, the festival celebrates the work of artists from around the country, along with music, performances and cultural events. More than 150 artists from over 20 states representing dozens of mediums will showcase their work at the festival.
The lineup includes colorful glasswork from Diana Ahrens, paintings from fantasy artist Jon Carraher, portraits from photographer John Hartung, fine art woodworking from Ron Lentz, Asian-inspired pottery from Mark Poole, sculpture from Christopher Wagner, and vibrant digital paintings showcasing Williamsburg from Bobby Oller, among others. The full list of attending artists and mediums is available at AOFTA.org.
A drawing will be held to win a framed work by Oller, this year’s AOFTA Artist in Residence. Tickets to enter the drawing are $10 for one or three for $25, available at the show.
During the expansive festival, artists’ booths will line Duke of Gloucester Street between North Nassau and North Boundary Streets. The parking lot in the center of Merchants Square will feature a courtyard café with beer, wine and food offerings, a courtyard stage for live music performances, and a large Youth Art tent.
The Youth Art exhibition will showcase over 1,000 individual and collaborative student works in 2D and 3D mediums representing hundreds of classes from Williamsburg/James City and Upper York County public and private schools.
AOFTA attendees of all ages are encouraged to visit the festival’s community area on North Boundary Street to participate in the Communal Jigsaw Puzzle Portrait session. Hosted by Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, the session highlights how the individual is part of the whole, and how creativity can be a shared experience that can lead to an inclusive community, according to organizers. Attendees can sign up for a time slot through the AOFTA.org website.
A total of nearly a dozen live performances will also take place on two different stages during the event. Music lovers will enjoy music from a wide range of genres including jazz, country, pop, bluegrass, acoustic rock, folk and more. The Virginia Regional Ballet will also be on hand for a dance performance, and children can enjoy shows by the Rainbow Puppets and magician William the Conjuror.
“AOFTA is such an exciting and meaningful event for Greater Williamsburg, and Merchants Square continues to be the ideal location,” said Robin Markowitz, the festival’s Executive Director. “It’s a fixture of culture that brings an amazing wealth of talent to the community and it continues to get better each year.”
AOFTA runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both weekend days rain or shine and is free and open to all.
