Bristol in Bloom Appalachian Regional Art Festival debuts Saturday, Oct. 9 at Cumberland Square Park in the heart of Downtown Bristol, Virginia. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival celebrates and features the richness of the arts community of Appalachia and the beauty of Cumberland Square Park.
This free public event brings together more than 50 artists, makers and organizations from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to make a truly fun event in the heart of Bristol. Attendees of all ages can enjoy the day while engaging with Appalachian art, learning from Appalachian artists, participating in kids activities and live art demonstrations, and interacting with art installations.
Scheduled activities take place during the event including art talks and artist interviews with prominent figures, organizers and activists in the Appalachian arts community hosted by Summer Apostol on the Cumberland Square Park stage. Also sharing the stage are local musicians. Participating artists share live art demonstrations throughout the event. This year’s featured Blooming Artists are the students of Miss Amy’s daycare and Pre-k based in Abingdon, Virginia, who will be sharing student artwork while also hosting kids’ art activities during the event.
The beer garden, featuring favorites from local Appalachian breweries, benefits non-profit organization Believe in Bristol and their continued work supporting local businesses of downtown Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia.
The proceeds from this event will go toward establishing the Blooming Artist Scholarship fund to benefit Blooming Artists from the Appalachian Region.
