When you think of Williamsburg, it’s hard not to focus on the history that is such an important component of what makes life here so pleasant. But when you live here, you realize that there’s much more going on. There is a vibrant and inviting arts scene in the town, and two articles in today’s Virginia Gazette point this out.
The modern shopping area at the college end of Duke of Gloucester Street is probably best known by visitors for its restaurants, coffeehouses, and souvenir shops. But this block also comes alive for various community events. One of my favorites in “Art on the Square,” which is back this coming Sunday. Sponsored by the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg, this event will feature 90 different artists who will set up their tents on Merchant Square and on several side streets. This show features a wide variety of art – pottery, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Artists apply to participate in the event and are selected through a juried process. Every year I am impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship displayed in this show. This is a place to find unique and high-quality items.
This is the major fund-raiser for the Junior Women’s Club, which supports many local charitable organizations and community events. It also funds scholarships to local high school students.
I found this story two pages later. This brief blurb provides information about a new event series planned for the Williamsburg Winery, just a couple of miles beyond the Williamsburg city limits. Called “A Classical Cabaret at Wessex Hundred,” this series will feature classical musicians from organizations around the Williamsburg on select afternoons in the winery’s Susan Constant Hall Tasting Room. The first event in the series is scheduled tof 2-3:15 pm on Monday, May 1. It will feature artists from the Opera in Williamsburg performing a selection of arias and duets. The website further describes the event as “an elegant afternoon of music, wine, and art with Maestro Jorge Parodi and singers of Opera in Williamsburg, in town to rehearse for Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Enjoy a matinee for the senses, tasting delicious wine, listening to thoughtfully selected operatic arias by artists from the Opera in Williamsburg, and surrounded by a new exhibit of art entitled “Spring Reflections.”
The events are free and open to the public. If you live in town, you should try to catch some of these events. If you don’t live in town and would like to take advantage of these opportunities, you can stay with me while you visit.
You can find out more about the Winery’s upcoming events by visiting their website https://williamsburgwinery.com/event/.
Two good ideas. If the Better Half feels up to it, we may just make an appearance at WW on the 1st. Literally, any excuse to visit there. Perhaps a late lunch and then a bit of opera ....
I love going to this event. I've seen friends and some wonderful artwork!