(First in a special two-part series.)
In 2014, Urbanna’s annual Art on the Half Shell (AOTHS) fine arts show was years gone, and the once vibrant local arts scene was flat. Newly hired Middlesex County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Chris Ingram set out to revive the scene in partnership with the Town of Urbanna.
At the time, the Virginia Commission of the Arts (VCA) was offering a Community Impact Grant, in which a government entity could receive a $5,000 one-to-one match for local community art programs. With combined local funds and the grant, $20,000 became available to support a new fine arts festival. Local businessman Walt Hurley offered 17th century Hewick Plantation as the backdrop for the event, along with support from Bethpage Camp-Resort.
To meet the VCA requirements, Ingram invited county residents Hilton Snowden, Ginny Sawkins, Jean Rhame, and Celane and Hank Roden to develop an initial plan. When the AOTHS name and nonprofit organization was determined unavailable, Arts In The Middle (AIM) was born. The team reached across county lines for partnership with Gloucester Arts on Main Director Kay Van Dyke, who joined the team to oversee finances. Graphic artist Ken Rygh generously donated the logo design, and a plan was set to host a two-day fine arts event May 30-31, 2015.
The initial group morphed into the official Arts In the Middle Fine Arts Festival Planning Team. Celane Roden became team coordinator. Ginny Sawkins, with years of expertise leading AOTHS, agreed to recruit and manage artists. Hilton Snowden and Hank Roden took on marketing, and Jean Rhame headed up fundraising. Local residents Kathy Swinehart, Rebecca Eggleston, Jody Anglin, Theron Green, Carol King, and Cheryl Coloff rounded out the team. In support, the Middlesex County Museum generously donated office/meeting space.
Show time was now 10 months away, so the call for artists began in earnest. Outreach brought in an impressive number of applicants from Florida to Maine for juror review. Final selections resulted in 105 fine artists, along with local artists who would be featured in a local artist tent. The logistical team worked closely with Bethpage staff to ensure all would be in place the week before the show. The marketing team designed and purchased ads in area magazines, newspapers, social media and other outlets to ensure a solid audience of art shoppers.
Continued next week…
