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Last year’s project was a successful experiment, setting up a Farmville Art Walk at the end of April. Things worked so well the town will be the site of another Art Walk next weekend, on Saturday, April 26. 

This year’s version will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving people a chance to engage with local and visiting artists along the scenic High Bridge Trail State Park. There’s also an added element in the form of prize money. 

“This is the CVA’s 2nd Annual Art Walk and this year there has been $2500 in prize money added,” said Martha Louis. She serves as one of the trustees for Central Virginia Arts, which organizes the event. “The money was donated by local patrons of the arts in Central Virginia. The prize money helps to attract quality fine artists from across the state.”

Louis is no stranger to outdoor art events here in town, having started the Outdoor Art Show in 1974. That turned into the Heart of Virginia Art Show, which ran during the festival. She ended up running that event for more than 20 years. So it’s fair to say she knows a little about the nuts and bolts of organizing an event. Last year, Louis presented the idea of a spring Art Walk to Central Virginia Arts and the group took the idea and ran with it. Farmville Downtown Partnership has also been involved with this thing from the beginning, with Louis crediting them as being “a real asset.” 

More about the Farmville Art Walk

So let’s get into the details about the Art Walk. It will stretch along the High Bridge Trail from the Historic Farmville Train Station to the High Bridge Plaza. As visitors stroll this picturesque path, they can explore numerous booths showcasing a diverse assortment of fine arts and handmade crafts. The event not only highlights the talents of local artisans but also fosters community engagement. 

“Attendees will see woodturnings, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and much more,” Louis said. “We are hoping the public takes some of the beautiful pieces of art  home with them to enjoy.” 

The goal is also to attract visitors from around the region to check out some of the businesses and restaurants in and around the Downtown Farmville area. For example, after wandering through the Art Walk, visitors can head down and around Main Street, as a majority of businesses will be open. And when visitors get hungry, there’s plenty of places to eat. 

How can I be involved? 

Artists and artisans interested in showcasing their work can secure booth spaces for a fee of $45 for non-Central Virginia Arts (CVA) members and $25 for CVA members or students. The application process includes completing an application form and submitting the appropriate payment. Notably, this year’s Art Walk will feature cash prizes for fine art, adding an exciting incentive for all who participate. 

And if you’re interested in getting involved with Central Virginia Arts, you can do that too. 

“Central Virginia Arts is always looking to include new members who enjoy a variety of programs – many from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,” Louis said. “On the day of the event, help for the artists loading and unloading their work is greatly appreciated. Contact Paul Hoffman at paul@pauldhoffman.com for more information.”

For more information on participating as a vendor or attending the event, interested individuals can visit the Central Virginia Arts website or reach out via email at centralvirginiaarts@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: Kristi Sellers wrote this story for the Farmville Herald.