R. Porterfield by John Dickens
Sunday, Aug. 26 the Virginia Highlands Festival presented this year's signature art piece as a permanent loan to the Barter Theatre.
Gary Kimbrell, chairman of the marketing committee, and sculptor John Dickens were on hand to make transfer to Barter artistic director Richard Rose.
The wood carving entitled "R Porterfield" features the founder of both Barter Theatre and the Virginia Highlands Festival, Robert Porterfield. Visitors can see the work in the Barter Theatre lobby during their normal business hours. Most VHF signature art pieces are on public display at the Abingdon Visitors Center, 335 Cummings St. One sculpture, "Entwined Dancers," is located at Kiwanis Park in downtown Abingdon; and the quilt by Audra Rasnake, "Piece the Future from the Past," is on display at the Holston Mountain Artisans Center.
Next year's theme and signature art will be determined this fall. The dates for the 65th annual Virginia Highlands Festival are Aug. 2-11, 2013. www.vahighlandsfestival.org.
