An array of artists will add a touch of creative flair to the Historic Yorktown waterfront on Sunday, May 15, when the Art at the River Juried Art Show returns for its Ninth Annual event. Guests can stroll down the Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to marvel at the incredible one-of-a-kind work on display—paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass arts, photography, woodwork, metalwork, and much more!
Thirty-seven captivating artists were carefully selected for this exhibition. These chosen artists are traveling to Yorktown from Richmond and the greater Tidewater area to participate in this popular community event.
Each artist draws his or her inspiration from a variety of sources, and those revelations are arguably as intriguing as their artwork.
Juried Art Show prizes valued at more than $3,000 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in 2-D, 3-D, and photography, as well as Honorable Mentions. The highly coveted Susan H. Powell Best in Show Award is in memory of the founder of the Art at the River Juried Art Show. Susan was a dedicated volunteer who enriched many lives by promoting the arts not just in Yorktown, but across the Peninsula. A crowd favorite People’s Choice Award winner will receive a $100 check.
Back by popular demand—live demonstrations from the Tidewater Turners of Virginia! The wood turners will explain more about their tools and techniques as people of all ages watch them make a variety of objects, including spinning tops that younger visitors get to take home as souvenirs.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day from Coastal Thirst. All Historic Yorktown restaurants will be open. The Hampton Roads Winery is offering wine tastings with the option to buy a bottle. The Fifes and Drums of York Town are scheduled to open the show at 10 a.m., with Audio Portrait taking the stage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public parking lots. The free Yorktown Trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several stops throughout town. The event is held rain or shine.
This year’s judges are Kay Krapfl and Karen Schwartz from Williamsburg, VA. Kay Krapfl was born in Dallas, Texas, and as a child had a strong interest in all forms of art. Today, her work is made up of the ideas and techniques that she has learned through constant experimentation. She has studied with Steven Pace of the New York Museum of Modern Art, George McNeil of Pratt Institute, Ann Cushing Gantz of Dallas, John Gordon of the Des Moines Art Institute, and has attended classes at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, among others.
Kay’s artwork has been exhibited at Montainlair Gallery of West Virginia University, the Oglebay Institute in Wheeling, Self Norma Museum in Moundsville, and the M.A.C. in West Virginia.
Since moving to Williamsburg, she has started a school where her students enjoy her teaching, and in return, she learns from them. She hopes to continue to grow in her work as well as in her teaching, having a deep love of both.
Karen Schwartz is a Watermedia artist living in Williamsburg, Virginia. Originally from California, she moved to Virginia in 1981. Karen earned her B.A. in Fine Arts from San Diego State University with a concentration in painting and printmaking. Mixed Watermedia painting is the primary focus of her work now. She loves to travel and enjoys painting the people, landscapes, and architecture of the places she has visited, as well as here in Virginia. Karen has exhibited at An Occasion for the Arts; Art on the Square; Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center; Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center; Art Center of Cannon County in Woodbury, TN; Picture This Gallery in Hermitage, TN; the Falk Gallery at CNU; and other venues in the Hampton Roads area.
Karen worked as a web developer at the College of William & Mary for 18 years and retired in 2016. She is a signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and serves on their state board as well as the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center Board of Directors.
Additional Event Info:
- www.visityorktown.org
- Art at the River Committee: (757) 898-6147
- Facebook: Visit Yorktown
- Instagram & Twitter: @visityorktown
- Tag your event pictures with #visityorktown #AATR
