ArtScape 15
May 2024-May 2025
Making beautiful Winchester even more beautiful!
ArtScape is a public art program open to artists of all ages that represents multiple walks of life and levels of talent; a group of work with diverse themes to create a shared experience of art by an entire community.
Since 2009, the Shenandoah Arts Council (ShenArts) has partnered with Old Town Winchester to create an outdoor gallery in the historic district of downtown Winchester, Virginia. Artists of all ages are invited to participate in this juried art competition. Selected works are reproduced on banners that hang on light posts throughout the downtown area. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley provides support for this program as the host sponsor, displaying the original works of art in its Art in the Halls program.
Why ArtScape in Winchester?
The objective of ArtScape is to create an outdoor gallery experience in the heart of the community. The colorful banners add interest and intrigue to the downtown streetscape, encouraging pedestrians and vehicle traffic to slow down and enjoy the display. Each banner showcases local artists and their sponsors, highlighting the creativity and talent of artists who live and work in the region and those that show their support through sponsorship.
How does it work?
Interested artists submit work for consideration to ShenArts. These works are reviewed and selected by a jury. Participating artists range in age and skill level. The chosen works are professionally photographed and designed for printing on vinyl banners. The names of the artist and the sponsor are featured on the banner. At the end of the show, the banners are removed and given to the sponsor. The sponsor does not receive reproduction rights to the work. However, they are encouraged to display the banner in their place of business, highlighting their support for enriching the community through public art programs.
Why should YOU sponsor a banner?
- Your business name appears on both sides of banner.
- Your business name and logo listed in annual ArtScape brochure.
- Your business promoted on ShenArts website and social media.
- Your business receives recognition at ArtScape reception and activities.
- Upon end of exhibit, you receive and own your sponsorship banner(s).
- Your business will be recognized as a leader supporting community art.
- Sponsor a banner in honor or memory of a loved one.
- Give the gift of a banner sponsored in the recipient’s name.
ARTSCAPE ARTIST/SPONSOR SCHEDULE *
January 13 – sponsor/artist submissions deadline
January 27– artists notified of selection
February – artists take original artwork to photographer, Lauri Bridgeforth, Bridgeforth Photographics
February – March – banner production begins
May – Original art delivered to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and Laurel Ridge Community College at designated times only
May – July – View original art at the Art in the Halls at MSV and at the Atrium at Laurel Ridge
May – Reception & artist/sponsor mixers at the MSV and Laurel Ridge
May – banner and brochure production completed
May – banners installed
June – Noon – Chamber Ribbon Cutting, in front of Civil War Museum on Walking Mall; Banner reveal event/press conference photo opp; Art on the Mall/meet the ArtScape artists,
May-September – brochures available to sponsors and artists and downtown distribution
*subject to change as needed