Photo courtesy of AOFTA
It’s a vibrant street fair which holds a permanent spot in every local’s fall calendar, but it’s so much more than a block party. This anchor of fall arts is produced solely by volunteers, and is unaffiliated with any art school or gallery. Exacting standards make this show one of the region’s most exclusive, ranking in the top 100 of Art Fair Insider’s list, and placing in the top three of Southern Living’s review of Southeastern Virginia shows.
From the first easel to the last potter’s tent, Occasion attendees are surrounded by the results of a rigorous selection process. Art Director Leo Charette said, “An Occasion for the Arts has become a national show ranked in the top 100 shows by Art Fair Sourcebook and in the top 200 best shows by Sunshine Artists Magazine. Artists from 34 states, Canada, and Tel Aviv submitted applications to this year’s show. Twelve jurors reviewed the applications and invitations were extended to only 145 artists.”
This free event started as a love letter to the local arts scene in 1969, and has held true to this guiding light. Make plans to surround yourself with the inspiring works of art that have made Merchant’s Square a mecca for Southeastern culture.
An Occasion for the Arts falls on October 5th-7th this year. In addition to the 145 artists who will fill Duke of Gloucester Street, 22 live acts will dot the downtown area. Budding artists from Williamsburg-James City County schools also will exhibit.
AOFTA Fun Facts
- The 2018 festival honors local architect Carlton Abbot’s 50 years of service.
- In 1969, the National Weather Service declared the first Sunday in October stood the least chance of rain. AOFTA has been staged on the first weekend in October ever since.
- Frankfurters have been a stalwart at the festival since 1970, when they were furnished by the Williamsburg Lion’s Club. If you don’t have a hot dog, you’re doing it wrong.
- The signature zig-zag chicken wire display frame was conceived of by Carlton Abbott in 1969, and inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s serpentine wall encircling the University of Virginia lawns.
- Prohibition’s shadow still hung over the 1970 Occasion, necessitating the concealment of the Beer Garden behind heavy shrubbery to limit the legal risk of “enticement” and resulting alcoholism to passers-by.
