Art, photography competitions

The 67th Annual Virginia Highlands Festival continues its tradition of Juried Fine Art and Photography competitions to showcase local artists and inspire creativity in the community. Competitions are presented in partnership with two local arts institutions: The Arts Depot (Juried Fine Art) and the William King Museum of Art (Photography).

Enter your work in the “Photography Exhibition and Competition” where it will be displayed alongside talented photographers from around the country at the William King Museum of Art (WKMA) throughout the Festival. Photographers may drop off their entries in the basement of the Museum on Saturday and Sunday July 11 and 12 from 1 - 5 pm. Competition entry applications and rules can be found at www.vahighlandsfestival.org. Judging this year is award-winning photojournalist Tim Cox from Wise, Virginia.
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"This year, we are honored and very excited to have international, award-winning photojournalist, Tim Cox of Wise, VA as our Competition judge," said Photography Chairman, Julie Donovan.

Entries in the “Juried Fine Arts Show and Gallery” will be juried into The Arts Depot gallery and available for viewing throughout the Festival. Artists may drop off their submissions at the Arts Depot Saturday and Sunday July 25 and 26 from 2 - 5 pm. The Fine Art Awards will be presented in a lecture given by National Award winning artist and overseas workshop leader, juror Vera Dickerson. Top entries have the opportunity to receive generous awards in addition to a People's Choice award to be voted on by the public.

“This Fine Arts Juried show is a great opportunity for Artists of our region to present their work to the public while receiving generous awards,” said Fine Art Chairman, Linda Hamilton. “This also gives our community a chance to appreciate the enormous amount of talent in our area. Come see for yourself what a wonderful show this is!!!”

Many pieces from the Juried Fine Arts exhibit will be available for purchase. All application forms and more information can be found at www.VaHighlandsFestival.org.

The Festival continues its mission to inspire young artists with the annual “Youth Art Exhibit.” Artists from kindergarten through twelfth grade can submit their entries on Sunday, July 26 from 2 pm – 4 pm on the basement level of the William King Museum of Art. Celebrate these talented youths at the awards reception on Aug. 2 at 2:30 pm at the WKMA.

In addition to competitions and exhibits, the Festival will feature workshops and lectures that will both inform and inspire. Help bring to life the art of award winning fantasy artist and illustrator, Charles Vess, as William King Museum of Art as the museum and the Barter Theatre’s Project REAL join together to create a once in a lifetime live-art experience during the “Image Theatre at WKMA” program. Learn about the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the region from Abingdon’s own scholar, Betsy K. White, at the “Backcountry Makers: An Artisan History of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee Opening Reception.”

The Festival offers a chance to meet Signature Artists, Brian and Marie Bridgeforth of Bridgeforth Design Studio and take home a signed fine art poster of the Signature Art. The Festival’s adventurous spirit is perfectly captured through their comic book/fantasy style in this year’s Signature Art. Stop by the Arts Depot to pick up your own autographed Signature Art poster Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1 pm – 2 pm. Posters are $10 each, all proceeds support the Festival’s Fine Art programs.

For a full schedule of events, pick up a Highlander magazine at locations throughout the Tri-Cities. You can also request a mailed copy by e-mailing info@vahighlandsfestival.org or calling 276-623-5266. An electronic version is available online at www.vahighlandsfestival.org.
Juried Fine Arts Intake Days
Artists may drop off their submissions for the Juried Fine Arts Show and Gallery at the Arts Depot. Please bring your completed form and checks (made out to Virginia Highlands Festival) or cash.

Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, July 26, 2015 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm


Youth Art Intake Day
Young artists may drop off their submissions for the Youth Art Exhibit at the basement level of the William King Museum of Art.

Sunday, July 26, 2015 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm


Lecture & Awards Ceremony
The Fine Art Awards will be presented in a lecture given by juror Vera Dickerson. This evening we will also unveil the Festival's fine art poster of the Signature Art by Brian and Marie Bridgeforth of Bridgeforth Design Studio.

Thursday, July 30, 2015 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm


Youth Art Exhibit
Come see our talented young artists' work!

Friday, July 31, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, August 4, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm


2015 Juried Fine Arts Show and Gallery
Looking for a special piece of art to add to your collection of local artists? Come see the work chosen by our juror, Vera Dickerson, for prizes and for the gallery show. Be sure to vote for the People's Choice Award!

Friday, July 31, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, August 4, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm


Into the Green: The Art of Charles Vess
Join us from June 5 – September 27 at William King Museum of Art to celebrate local fantasy artist Charles Vess' work. Museum open 7 days a week. Free admission.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, August 4, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm


Image Theatre at WKMA
Join us at William King Museum of Art as the museum and the Barter Theatre’s Project REAL join together to create a once in a lifetime live-art experience. Visitors will explore the exhibit Into the Green: The Art of Charles Vess in order to create image theatre.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm


Signature Art Poster Signing
Come meet Brian & Marie Bridgeforth of Bridgeforth Design Studio, our 2015 Signature Artists! They will sign our limited edition art posters for you and chat with you about their process of creating the image representing this year's Festival.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm


Virginia Highlands Festival Youth Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Join us in celebration of our young artists at the Opening Reception for the VHF Youth Art Exhibit! Everyone is invited to attend as we announce the awards at 2:30 pm. For more information about the exhibit call 276.628.5005 ext.116.

Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm


Backcountry Makers: An Artisan History of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee Opening Reception
Join us First Thursday for the opening reception of Backcountry Makers: An Artisan History of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Related Events

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Photography Intake Days
Photographers may drop off their entries into the competition in the basement of the William King Museum of Art.

Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, July 26, 2015 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm


Photography Exhibition and Competition
Photos exhibited at William King Museum of Art throughout the Festival. Competition entry applications and rules can be found at www.vahighlandsfestival.org. Judging this year is award-winning photojournalist Tim Cox from Wise, Virginia.

Friday, July 31, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, August 4, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm


Backcountry Makers: An Artisan History of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee
Join us at the William King Museum of Art July 2015 – February 2016 for an exhibition inspired by Betsy K. White's book, "Backcountry Makers." Museum is open 7 days a week. Free admission.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday, August 4, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday, August 7, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday, August 8, 2015 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 9, 2015 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm


"Life of Christ" Icons Tour & Lecture
St. Thomas Episcopal Church will host tours of its "Live of Christ" icon collection. Come learn how to read a religious icon and view the beautiful artwork of Mary Jane Miller.

Monday, August 3, 2015 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 10:00am to 11:00am