VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Thousands of people soaked in the sun and admired some of the nation's best artists in this year's 68th Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show on Sunday.
It's part of a decades-long tradition that helped give the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art its footing in the Hampton Roads community.
"Years ago artists got together to make money for a friends, and the art show was so successful that it's kind of history now," said Linda Koller, Director of Marketing & Special Events for Virginia MOCA. "It's how we got started."
Years later the art show is as popular as ever, as thousands of people went to the boardwalk to view the art and meet the 150 participating artists who showcased their work.
The art ranged from traditional paintings to pottery and beyond. Several local artists also presented their work for the first time at the art show.
Jenn Clemons is a Hampton-based artist and art teacher, who specializes in graphite and oil paintings. Her display showed intricate paintings of trees, the likes of which she has been focusing on for the past five years.
It's also the first time Clemons has opened a booth at the art show.
"I think that is one of the best experiences is being able to share my art with so many people," said Clemons. "I've had working galleries and it's not the same experience as there are just so many people here."
Virginia MOCA selects a featured artist each year to design the commemorative poster and T-shirt for the Boardwalk Art Show. This year the honor went to longtime Boardwalk Art Show participant, Daniel O'Connor.
O'Connor's commemorative poster titled “What the Tides Brought In” is a joyful and dynamic depiction of the Boardwalk Art Show, teeming with artists, beachgoers, and more.
Anne Marie Sweeney, an artist liaison with the art show, said the good weather in this year's art show only had a positive impact on both the audience and participating artists.
"The feedback has been tremendous," said Sweeney. "I've had several artists tell me they've been having record-breaking weekends so it's just been such a wonderful time."
The art show ended on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. However, organizers said they will undoubtedly return next year to highlight more art at the Oceanfront in 2025.
