Founded in 1969, An Occasion for the Arts is approaching its 48th year — and judging by the lineup, it will be one for the books.
The annual art show has released its list of artists and events in advance of the October event.
Held Oct. 6 through Oct. 8 in and around Merchants Square, the festival will be free and open to the public, according to a press release from the organization.
“It is a gem of our community, on display each year for one weekend in October,” Leo Charette, executive director of An Occasion for the Arts said in the release. “I get excited thinking that…over 140 gifted artists will travel to our historic village to share their creations and hopefully inspire each of us to purchase a piece to enjoy year round.”
Some highlights include a movie soundtrack celebration presented by the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. The afternoon event, titled “Symphony at the Movies: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Trolls and More,” will showcase soundtracks of classic films. The performance will take place at the Kimball Theatre Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
And the music doesn’t stop with the symphony.
Friday will feature the second-annual Kickoff pARTy, presented in partnership with CultureFix, with live music from Davina and the Vagabonds, playing a “genre-busting” blend of blues, jazz and soul.
Party guests will have the opportunity to contribute to a community painting and table art. Artists with works displayed throughout the weekend will be present to mingle with the guests. Admission to the Kickoff pARTy is $20 in advance (and includes a drink) or $25 at the door. Beer, wine and snacks will be sold.
It’s not all about music either, Charette said artists from 21 states will be present, as well as Israel and Canada.
Art created by area children will be displayed in a 2,500 foot tent. Youth art activities, such as face painting, and music will also be available.
The Williamsburg Book Festival will return Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Events associated with the sale include a book fair, workshops, panels and presentations. The sale will be headlined by Kathyrn Aalto, bestselling author of “The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh, A Walk through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood.”
A complete list of musical performances and artists whose work will be on display can be found on An Occasion for the Arts’ website.
Volunteers are still needed for tasks such as check-in, carrying artwork, setting up tents, bringing lunches, answering guest questions and working in booths during artist breaks. To volunteer, visit this website.
The event is free and open to the public. It will be held Oct. 6-8 in and around Merchants Square. The symphony performance will take place at the Kimball Theatre Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated William & Mary seniors would be showcasing their works during the festival. The students will not be featured in this year’s event. An earlier version of this article stated the event was scheduled for Oct. 7-9. The festival begins Oct. 6.
