An array of artists soon will add a touch of creative flair to the Historic Yorktown waterfront. Sunday, May 5, marks the Sixth Annual Art at the River Juried Art Show. Guests can stroll down the Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to marvel at the incredible one-of-a-kind work on display— everything from fused glass to handcrafted copper pieces, from captivating watercolors to breathtaking nature photography, and much more!

A total of 34 captivating artists were carefully selected for the 2019 exhibition. These chosen artists will travel to Yorktown from Richmond, the greater Tidewater Area, and even the Outer Banks of North Carolina to participate in this popular community event.

One of those artists, photographer Cyndi Goetcheus Sarfan, will make the trip from Kill Devil Hills to display a collection of Wabi-Sabi Images. "For me it is usually about color, composition and emotion. I want the viewer to feel something when they view my work. Sometimes that is nostalgia for the past, the recollection of a fond memory at the Outer Banks, a sense of serenity, or intrigue about the story behind the image,” she shared.

Each artist draws his or her inspiration from something different, and those revelations are arguably as intriguing as their artwork. Like Mike Tokarz, who grew up enjoying activities on the York and Rappahannock Rivers and now makes beautiful one-of-a-kind copper art pieces that represent the local birds, nettles, fish, and Chesapeake Bay work vessels.

Juried Art Show prizes valued at more than $3,000 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in 2-D, 3-D and photography, as well as Honorable Mentions. The highly coveted Susan H. Powell Best in Show Award is in memory of the founder of the Art at the River Juried Art Show. Susan was a dedicated volunteer who enriched many lives by promoting the arts not just in Yorktown, but up and down the Peninsula. She is remembered for her enthusiasm for and love of the citizens of York County. A crowd favorite People’s Choice Award winner will receive a $100 check.

This year’s judges are Gail Bruce McIntosh and Bonnie Bruce Mettler, sisters and artists in their own right who both have strong ties to the area. Growing up in the Marlbank community of York County and both alumna of York High School, Gail and Bonnie each received art degrees from Philadelphia art schools: Gail studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; and Bonnie got a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design. The two have traveled the world to pursue their passions and there have been several opportunities for them to collaborate on big projects. The talented duo has painted three beautiful murals together: one on a café wall; another on a portico ceiling of a private residence; and the third is the biggest project, which incorporates all four walls of a large lobby, is displayed in the Administration Building at Mary Baldwin College.

A separate exhibit featuring up to 48 pieces of art from York County High School students will be on display inside the Freight Shed. The work falls into three different categories: 2-D, 3-D, and photography—each display was chosen by the school’s respective art teacher for exhibition in the show. The winning students will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards, as well as an Honorable Mention ribbon. There is also a People’s Choice Award issued to the crowd favorite.

New this year are free family activities including live demonstrations from the Tidewater Turners of Virginia and Tidewater Basketry Guild. The wood turners will explain more about their tools and techniques as they masterfully slice away at the wood. People of all ages can watch as they make a variety of objects including spinning tops that younger visitors get to take home as souvenirs.

"There is something immensely satisfying when we take a chunk of wood from a fallen tree, from a firewood pile, or found along the street and turn it into something beautifully artistic or functional. We call it ‘beauty beneath the bark.’ Even simple pieces of wood are beautiful when turned and finished,” shared Ray Kallman, Chairman of the Tidewater Turners Board of Directors and Public Demonstration Coordinator.

Kids ages five and older can participate in a fun art activity presented by the Yorktown Arts Foundation under the tent on the corner of Buckner and Water Street.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day from B-52 Smokehouse BBQ and Lounge and Rising Tide Provisions. The Hampton Roads Winery will offer wine tastings with the option to buy by a bottle. The Fifes and Drums of York Town are scheduled to open the show at 10 a.m., with Lorrie Powell and Robbie Meade of SOJORN entertaining visitors with music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public parking lots. The complimentary Yorktown Trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several convenient stops throughout town. The event is held rain or shine.

The event is presented by the Art at the River Committee in conjunction with York County and the Yorktown Foundation, with support from the Celebrate Yorktown Committee, the Economic Development Authority and the York County and Williamsburg Area Arts Commissions.