Mile Marker "0" AICW Event: 40th Annual Gosport Arts Festival May 8th and 9th in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

40th Annual Gosport Arts Festival in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA

by David Cartier
Author "A New Day in Olde Towne"

If it's Mother's Day Weekend, it must be time for Gosport Arts Festival. This year, it's the 40th year for the event - the 10th festival held in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Plan to attend the event on May 8 and 9, 2010. The hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Weekend activities will be held along the High Street corridor from the Elizabeth River to Dinwiddie Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia's quaint historic seaport. Proceeds from the event will benefit Edmarc Hospice for Children.

Traditionally, more than 135 artists have represented a wide variety of mediums, styles, tastes and cultures. Past shows have included artists presenting oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture, fiber, stained glass, jewelry, metal, wood, clay, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, paper and much more. 

Many Olde Towne galleries, antique and specialty shops, fine dining establishments, and cafés will feature special offerings.

An Artist in Action stage and entertainment stages will feature events by artists and performers. The Edmarc Kid's Park will be set up in front of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, for face painting and creating Mother's Day gifts. Artisan demonstrations and make-'n-take activities for children will take place in the courtyard of the Courthouse Gallery at High and Court Streets.

"The arts festival has something for everyone from the kids to grandma," said Millie Johnson, Director of the Gosport Arts Festival. "We've put a lot of effort into making navigation of the Gosport Arts Festival and Open House easy for our visitors." adds Millie. In its 40 years, the juried Gosport Art Show has donated over $400,000 to Hampton Roads communities.

Visit the Gosport Arts Festival website at http://www.gosportartsfestival.com/

Boaters: Both Tidewater Yacht Marina and Ocean Marine yacht Center are both just a short walking distance to this event.  You can also dock your boat at both North and High Street Landings on a first come basis.
Ride Portsmouth's Downtown "LOOP" for FREE to get around our downtown area. The LOOP will also take you to Food Lion for groceries and other necessaries. There are LOOP stops at both North and High Street  landings.
Questions? e-mail me at cjosephelder@gmail.com or give us a call at Skipjack Nautical Wares at (757) 399-5012