Bristol in Bloom Appalachian Regional Art Festival is held 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.
The brainchild of Marcy Parks, this free public event brings together more than 50 artists, makers and organizations from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for a truly special 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.
“I am really passionate about creating communities in which people can find a sense of home and connection. Our area is loaded with so many talented people, but there aren’t as many opportunities for them to connect or even get their work in front of people. As an artist in this area myself, I felt a strong need for an inclusive arts community whereeveryonewould feel welcome, encouraged and supported in sharing their work,” Parks says.
Scheduled activities take place during the event including art talks and artist interviews with prominent figures, organizers and activists in the Appalachian arts community. Also sharing the stage are local musicians. W. Albert Edwards is the featured musician and performs from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
“Bill is a dear friend of mine located in Abingdon, Virginia, and has spent time perfecting his craft with musical giants like Darrell Scott. I am thrilled he will be sharing his musical stylings and lyrics with the Bristol in Bloom community.I wanted this event to be inclusive to all forms of art including music, poetry, creative writing, dance and more. For a region with such strong musical roots, it seemed like a no-brainer,” she says.
Participating artists share live art demonstrations throughout the event. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer Apostol conducts 15-minute artist interviews with multiple artists making an impact in this region on the Cumberland Park stage.Hana Eichin of Spot of Color in Abingdon, Virginia, hosts a community painting event during the event.William King Museum of Art has an interactive art installation to be featured at the event. Lauren Houser of Top Stitch Studios is setting up multiple interactive art installations at the event.
The students of Miss Amy’s Daycare and Pre-K are the featured Blooming Artists for the event, and they will be hosting kid-friendly art activities and sharing work from the students of the daycare and pre-k.
Participating artists include Brett Cook, Natlie Monyak, Angela Parks, Beka Addison, Anna Bryant of Thyme and Gratitude, Brian Serway, Benji Sharrett of Bristol Leather Co., Sarah Harkleroad, Steve Curd of Lavelle Manufacturing, Misty Dempsey, Lesley Silky of Appalachian Alchemy, Lauren Houser of Top Stitch Studios, Greg Howser, Kevin Overbeck, Annie Hayden, Alex Capps of Clydescope Creations, Taylor Norris, Laura Blankenship, Chris Cannon, Katie Damron, Daniel Scott of Artistic Kindling, Mary Rhudy of Middle Fork Clay,Richard Graves, Kristen Olinger, Kelly Hall of Books and Cleverness, Marcy Parks, Anna Whitted,Ginny Tallent, Jamie Johnson, Becky Haworth of Black Oak Jewelry, Hana Eichin of Spot of Color, Angelique Fraley,Brandon Moorman of Tennessee Geek Art andSummer Duncan.
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.
Proceeds from this event will be used to establish the Blooming Artist Scholarship which will support Blooming Artists from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee to help them continue the exploration of their craft and dig their roots into the Appalachian Arts Community.
