The Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg is bringing back Art on the Square for a 55th year of artistic celebration in Merchants Square on April 29. The event combines the diverse works art fans expect alongside new offerings, all in support of local arts organizations.
“I think we’re really able to offer the public a fine arts show,” said Meg Trainor, the chairwoman for Art on the Square. “It’s something people enjoy coming back to every year because we offer so many unique artists.”
The event serves as one of the headline events of Williamsburg Spring Arts, an effort by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance to promote springtime arts throughout the Williamsburg area.
The 55th year of Art on the Square features more than 170 juried artists, including returning favorites as well as new ones across a variety of media, including painting and photography. The event also features a food truck for the first time with Two Drummers Offbeat Eats driving onto the scene.
“It’s delicious,” Trainor said.
Other food vendors include Ben and Jerry’s, King of Pops and Aromas Coffeehouse Bakeshop and Cafe.
Trainor said the event complements the numerous nearby stores and Colonial Williamsburg attractions. Timothy Seaman, a folk musician who plays instruments such as the hammered dulcimer, flute and guitar, will provide live entertainment.
Art on the Square 2018 also coincides with the fifth annual Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival nearby on North Boundary Street.
The 2017 rendition marked Trainor’s first time chairing the event, and she said she’s looking forward to building upon that experience with the follow-up.
“It’s a yearlong process,” she said. But she praised her peers in the club for their enthusiastic approach to pulling off the festivities.
Art on the Square also serves as the biggest fundraising effort of the year for the Junior Woman’s Club. Some of the proceeds generated at artist booths go toward visual and performing arts organizations throughout Williamsburg, James City County and York County.
“We’re just really looking forward to it,” Trainor said. “It’s something that’s very unique to Williamsburg.”
Want to go?
The 55th annual Art on the Square runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29 in Merchants Square, along Duke of Gloucester and North Boundary streets. Rain or shine. Admission is free.
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
