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Additional purposes motivate the Buena Vista Arts Council (BVAC) to present Artapalooza, a downtown arts festival, in 2023.
On May 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buena Vista will again close Magnolia Avenue for a “Celebration of Creativity,” offering handson art experiences, including demonstrations, and participatory art installations. This year, the need to raise funds to continue the BVAC’s new Afterschool Art Program influences the event.
Washington and Lee University’s Community Grants program funded the beginnings of an art enrichment program for Buena Vista elementary age children. Recognizing that cost is frequently a barrier to participation in extracurricular art activities, the BVAC desired the opportunity to be free of charge so that any child could attend. The children enjoyed a semester-long rotation, five weeks each of art, music, and theater experiences under the guidance of professional artists. Artapalooza offers a culminating opportunity for the students to share their new skills and artworks.
Makenna Whiting, owner of the new Splash of Color Studio, directed their art experiences. Abby Hanson, pianist, teacher and accompanist, shared her knowledge and love of music. Kim Hirt, director of Blue Forest Theatre Academy, taught principles of acting and theater.
Whiting explained their approach to art that the BVAC shares. “We are passionate about process art, where the emphasis is placed on the creative process rather than the finished product. Process art encourages individuals to develop their own artistic voice, make connections with the world around them, learn problem-solving and resiliency, and develop artistic skills that will benefit them for years to come.”
The BVAC presents Artapalooza, a free event, with this same focus, a spokesperson said.
The public is invited to participate in art installations and unique activities for the personal benefit of the individual and the community. Artists, vendors of any creative effort, will sell their wares, demonstrate their craft, and share activities at their booths. Entertainers will amuse, regale, and collaborate. The Buena Vista Farmers’ Market will feature meat, eggs, vegetables, baked goods as well as arts and crafts.
Downtown Buena Vista’s new businesses, such as Asunder Coffee Roasters, the BeeVe, Coiner Country Store, Original Italian Pizza, Pink Peonies, Straws and Vinyl Cuts, provide additional shopping and dining while other options lay outside the two-block area.
The BVAC again invites all to “celebrate creativity” at Artapalooza with Buena Vista and her citizens. The only difference this year is that donations to the Afterschool Art Program will be gratefully accepted.
For more information about donating or participating as a vendor or performer, call (540) 460-5434 or email [email protected].
