Occoquan, Va. — Over the years, Occoquan has become a magnet for local artists. They plan to celebrate that this month at the first annual ‘Art on the Block” festival.
The event will feature four galleries located on one block in the small town with over 60 artists who will show their work.
“Art lovers like to come to an area where they can see the works of many artists and Occoquan can be a destination for these people,” said festival spokeswoman Jane Ernst.
The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the following galleries:
The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, a co-op gallery located at 309 Mill Street was founded in 1977 by a group of artists searching for a place where they could have studios, sell their artwork and teach. It was first opened in the basement of 309 Mill Street, but after dealing with flooding, the group moved upstairs to its current location. In 2006, the gallery underwent an extensive renovation by expanding its size by taking over the business space behind it, and almost doubling its size. The gallery is home to 17 local artists whose media include art glass, basketry, copper work, drawing, eggshell carving, oil & acrylic painting, mixed media collage, pottery, photography, printmaking, turned wood and watercolor. The gallery will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2012.
The Loft Gallery at 313 Mill Street, was founded in 1986 by Marcia Weidler and Jackie Paetzold, and is comprised of 20 professional artists. Their shared dedication in organizing a co-op, which could present their work in the professional setting that it deserved, led to the opening of the gallery with a handful of local artists. A variety of media is represented, including watercolors, oils, woodcuts, pastels, acrylics, photography, original prints, collagraphs, lithographs, stained glass and pottery. The Loft Gallery also expanded its size to create The Loft Art Center, which includes working studios and a place for teaching. The gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Art A La Carte, founded in 2010 by Donna Turgeon and Lorie Kagle, is located at 310 Mill Street. The gallery shows the artwork of 24 local artists. The media represented here includes painting, drawing, photography, pottery, turned and carved wood, clay flowers, stained glass, mosaics, wearable art, mixed media collage, art dolls and jewelry.
Kelly’s Artbox is located at 304 Mill Street, and is operated by artist, Kelly Campbell, who has been working as a freelance artist specializing in portraits, murals and custom model horses. Kelly’s Artbox also houses a classroom where Kelly teaches art classes. Her gallery also sells handmade jewelry, novelty soaps, luxury botanicals, cards, antiques and more.
