THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505090116
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Officials for this year's Ghent Art Show in Town Point Park have made changes they hope will entice passers-by to stop and take a closer look.
``People used to drive down Waterside Drive and say, `This is ugly,' because all they'd see was the backside of the vendors,'' said Millie Johnson, coordinator for this year's show. ``We've rearranged the layout so that the outside complements the artists inside. This is not just another festival - this is an art show.''
Steps taken to improve the view include: exhibits arranged in patron-friendly booths facing Waterside Drive, new landscaping of the thoroughfare, vendors assembled in a centralized food court with picnic tables and benches. Children's activities also have been expanded.
``I think it will be more visually appealing to the public, and I know the park layout will make the artists happier,'' Johnson said.
In its 24th year, the show will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Town Point Park has hosted the event since 1983. The show began in 1972 at Stockley Gardens in Ghent but had to be moved to a larger venue, Johnson said. Between 35,000 and 50,000 Hampton Roads residents are expected to take a look at the work on display. Mayor Paul D. Fraim is the honorary chairman for the show.
This will be the largest show in six years, featuring the works of nearly 200 artists from around the country. Oils, watercolors, mixed media, sculptures, photography, pottery, jewelry and stained glass will comprise a ``canvas of diversity,'' Johnson said.
Prices range from $10 to $5,000. Part of the proceeds benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. The event raised $20,000 for the charity last year.
Award-winning photographer Charles Waldman of Boca Raton, Fla., is a standout among the field of nationally known artists. Kathy Garrenton of Norfolk, who has won Best In Show in past years for her mixed media works, and acclaimed Chesapeake painter Bob Holland are two noted local artists who will have works on display. More than $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded for the best works.
``I'm known in a lot of circles as a maritime painter,'' Holland said. ``The waterfront setting of Town Point is one of my favorite places for an art show.''
In hopes of putting more focus on the exhibits, officials also are altering the show's music format. Rock is being replaced by acoustic acts, strolling minstrels and background sounds from local radio stations.
``People complained that the bands were too loud,'' Johnson said. ``We didn't want the music distracting people from the art.''
The show is free to the public. Call 624-1333 for more information. Stockley Gardens fest coming up
A kind of a throwback to the first Ghent art shows, the annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival exudes a hip ambiance that has made it a favorite of locals.
From 10 a.m to 6 p.m. May 20, and noon to 6 p.m. May 21, some 15,000 people - mostly Norfolk residents - will flock to a neighborhood canvas of art, music and food. The crowd is a wide mix, with a liberal dose of Bohemian types.
``It has a very grassroots feel,'' said Liz Swartley, festival coordinator. ``We try to keep that flavor.''
In its 11th year, the event will feature a variety of works by more than 140 artists from around the region and country. Many of the craftsmen are city residents, however, including painter Clayton Singleton, a former Best In Show winner.
``It's a real Norfolk event,'' Swartley said. ``It started with Norfolk artists.''
The event is sponsored by the Hope House Foundation, a Norfolk support services group for people with developmental disabilities. A share of the festival's revenues benefit the charity. More than $15,000 was raised last year.
There are two Stockley Gardens art festivals each year, one in May, the other in October. In each, the art is augmented by a tradition of live music. This season's lineup features rock and soul by Big Fun, folk and new acoustic by Sea-Aira, and international jazz by Stick Player Greg Howard.
Solo acoustic artists Lewis McGehee and Amy Ferebee also will perform.
An eclectic mix of cuisines from area eateries such as Bienville Grill, Thai Saya Food and the Bon Appetit Bakery add more familiar flavor.
For many people, the gardens' casual setting offers a cool place - literally under the trees - to just hang out.
``The art, music and food are great, but the neighborhood atmosphere is a big draw, too,'' Swartley said.
The festival is free to the public. Call 625-6161 for more information. by CNB