Thousands attend Arts in the Middle festival

The ninth annual Arts in the Middle (AIM) Juried Arts Festival annually brings around 3,000 visitors to the Urbanna area the first weekend in June. The popular outdoor festival featured juried visual artists from up and down the east coast, local and student artists galleries, two venues offered an array of outstanding musicians, while SouperChefG’s Homemade Soups and Seasalt LLC provided food and sweet treats.

The 2023 show presented more than 100 artists from Florida to Connecticut, along with local communities and Middlesex High School. Juried artists exhibited in their own booths on AIM’s Artist Row offering original paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, glasswork, furniture, and more. The Local Artist and Emerging Student galleries featured works from local artists, current and past high school artists.

Visitors walked along the historic lane under beautiful oaks with (or without) a glass of champagne or wine as they enjoyed and purchased favorite pieces of art. Many tasted SouperChefG’s Homemade Soups, Adam Ginsberg’s popular breakfast burritos, soups and AIM-specific lunch menu while listening to the music, poetry, readings, and historical tidbits.

See the Award Winners

Music Coordinator Clayton Neal put together an impressive lineup of musicians for both the big stage and acoustic stage over the weekend. The literary arts tent returned this year as well.

AIM’s children’s area offered a variety of art activities. The community project was decorating the sail of a boat.

Bringing a show of this magnitude to fruition each year is the direct result of the tireless work of many volunteers, our generous sponsors and the never-ending support from the community. The support for the 2023 festival was provided by a grant from The Virginia Commission of the Arts matched with funding from the Middlesex County Economic Development Authority; and support from business and individual donors. The AIM Board of Directors and Planning Team thank each for allowing them to continue…