Part Two, Bath County Art Show 2017
Here, in part two of Allegheny Mountain Radio’s conversation with Shawn Puller of the Bath County Arts Association, we look at how artists’ works on display here for a week support the arts in this community all year round. While we agreed it’s ideal when visitors to the Art Show buy lots of pieces, Shawn also commented.
“More than anything people should just come in and see this really amazing thing that has been going on for years and years and years, since the 1960s as a matter of fact.”
I couldn’t help be curious if Shawn has a favorite medium, or style of visual art that he enjoys, or possibly even collects himself.
“You know I always appreciate landscapes. The area that we live in here in Bath County is truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on this planet. I’ve had the opportunity to do some travelling, and truly this place is so special. So, anytime I see landscape painting, in this area, I love looking at that. But I also, conversely, really love modern art, you know, abstract pieces.”
One thing you can be sure of is there will be some of everything at the Bath County Art Show. I had actually heard from some artists from outside of the county how this is a shown known for its generosity to artists.
“Each year the show is judged, and there are prizes awarded, and there’s even a popular prize awarded. This year our judge is Bradley Steven. And we’re really excited to have him coming. He’s a portrait and landscape artist based out of Washington DC, so he’ll be here visiting beautiful Bath County, and judging the pieces of art there.”
Finally, Shawn reminds listeners that funds generated by the Art Show, and also from grants the Art Association seeks, are intended for all ranges of projects supporting the arts in Bath County. Allegheny Mountain Radio certainly appreciates their sponsorship of the Blue Grass Jamboree each year. Our community’s ability to put those funds to work is only as limited as our imagination.
Shawn continued.
“The Bath County Arts Association really is here for the county to uplift all the people who live here. And there is funding available for people’s projects. There’s a little form that you have to fill out, so that we can get that money to you. We have partnerships with the Virginia Commission for the Arts. We do partnership grants with them to help fund programs here in the community. Truly we are here to be a resource and advocates for anyone involved in the arts in Bath County. We are here as an organization to help uplift and guide projects or offer advice, and there is funding available. That more than anything, we want people to know, that there is funding available for your ideas.”
The Bath County Art Show will be held from Saturday July 22nd through Sunday July 29th. The daily hours are one until five o’clock, and on the last day they are open from 10 until 12. The venue is Valley Elementary School. More information is at the Bath County Arts Association website.
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