Nearly 45 artists, musicians, and entertainers will line the streets of downtown Woodstock and Court Square on Saturday for the Shenandoah Valley ArtFest, a partnership between Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts, Shenandoah County Tourism, and the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.
âItâs our fifth year and weâre growing like we should be,â said Katie Mercer, director of events and marketing for the Town of Woodstock. âWe have artists local to the valley and artists from Richmond, Washington, D.C., and other places across the area.â
The event, which took a break during the pandemic, welcomed over 20 artists last year. Mercer is overjoyed to see that number double for Saturdayâs event
ArtFest seeks to attract and showcase established and emerging artists from the valley and beyond. It offers attendees an opportunity to view and purchase original artwork in all mediums while connecting with talent.
Various mediums will be showcased, including multimedia quilts, paintings, photographs, custom-built string instruments, and woodturning. Several artists will provide demonstrations, Mercer added, including potters, jewelry making and basket weavers.
Mercer said Saturdayâs event will open with a bagpipe performance at 10 a.m. followed by live entertainment and activities. Two special performances by Host of Sparrows and Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band, partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.
âThe grant is an effort to promote performing artists from the state,â said Mercer, adding that it helps the budgetâs bottom line.
Other activities include face painting, caricatures, stilt walkers, and the Witchy Dancers from Strasburg. A flower-making class will be taught by local artist Gina Arzol for a $10 fee. Registration is encouraged online or Mercer said interested individuals can stop by the merchandise tent to sign up if space allows.
âWe have such a huge arts community in the Shenandoah Valley and in the county,â Mercer said. âYou would just be amazed by the talent we have here. Five years ago it was a way to support and bring together local talent at a venue where local and beyond (artists) can share their skills and our community can come to enjoy it and purchase something to put in their home forever.â
Itâs also a way to bring awareness to the arts community, she added.
Mercer, a big supporter of supporting local, often finds herself shopping early for Christmas.
âWe always say to shop small but youâre helping an individual with a small business. Youâre not only benefiting by purchasing something beautiful that moves or speaks to you for yourself or a friend, but youâre helping the artists â their livelihood and their passions, talents by supporting them.â
Food and beverage vendors will be available during the event and within walking distance there are several restaurants such as Flour & Water, Spring House Tavern, Woodstock Brewhouse, and Woodstock Cafe.
To help support the Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts and keep their doors open, raffle tickets will be sold for local gift cards and items. Stop by the merchandise tent for more information.
âItâs really inspiring,â Mercer said. âAnd very cathartic and moving for not just the artists but for folks attending.â