Artapalooza will once again offer an array of art experiences when the spring art festival presented by the Buena Vista Arts Council returns to downtown Buena Vista this Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The year’s celebration of creative effort promises the trademark free art activities offered in seven downtown businesses during this “rain or shine” event. Bubbles will be back to engage the children, as will a number of make-andtake art projects. There will also be a variety of art classes offered to adults who want to rejuvenate their creativity, learn a new art skill, or just have some fun.
Attendees can watch area artists demonstrate their craft. Local performers will share their talents on the Magnolia Square stage. Art vendors and food trucks will be in attendance to sell their wares.
This year the BVAC is pleased to expose residents to art forms from both the past and present at Artapalooza. An especially rare, almost lost, art will be demonstrated by Rockbridge County artist Brinn Willis. Many may recall old-time photos from days gone by — once known as tintype and now called “wet plate photography.” This style of photography, invented in 1851, was used during the 19th century. This art creates beautiful images on glass or metal. The artist shared that “It’s a hard process to put into words. People just need to see it to understand how special it is.”
Willis recently outfitted a van to create a mobile studio and dark room that will allow her to produce this unique art form on the road. She will be traveling to regional festivals, making Artapalooza the inaugural stop of her summer tour. Examples of her wet plate photography and other works can be found online at https:// www.instagram.com/studioonfifth/. Her current project is documenting the stories and images of hikers coming off the Appalachian Trail.
The schedule of festival activities, lineup of performers, description and locations of art activities, and list of vendors and food trucks can be found at www.bvarts.org.
