The Hampshire Count Arts Council invites you to come and enjoy all we have to offer in the Hampshire Highlands during our 5th Annual Hampshire Highlands Arts & Music Festival 2023.
- Spend a delightful Saturday on September 9, 2023.
- Listen to a wide variety of local music ranging from traditional Appalachian, Bluegrass, Rock, Jazz, and Popular Music.
- Shop for juried, one-of-a-kind art by local artists.
- See demonstrations and artists at work.
- Festival environmental theme -“Renewable Energy.”
- Learn to make and use a solar oven with HC Public Library staff
- Try creating art of your own at the adult and youth creativity booths. Giant bubbles are back!
- Face Painting with Romney Federal Credit Union staff
- Scarecrow building and competition led by Elizabeth Podsiadlo
- New this year: Plein Air “Quick Draw” Competition
- Join the Puppeteers in two puppet shows for kids of all ages.
- Sample delicious BBQ, Burgers, Dogs, Funnel Cake and more. There is something for everyone!
For the full festival program click here.
Festival Event ScheduleSaturday – 09/9/2023
- 10 am – Festival Opening Ceremonies at the Gazebo
- 10 am – Plein Air Quick Draw Competition Registration
- Performances throughout the day at the Gazebo (see below)
- 1 pm – Plein Air Quick Draw Whistle Blows to start painting.*
- *Plein Air painting is a spectator sport. Become immersed in the creative process along with the artists. Watch the artists paint, smell the paint, and get caught up in the excitement of seeing all of the paintings come to life before your eyes! See the scenes and how the artists interpret them.
- 3:30 pm – Plein Air Quick Draw Art Display, Judging & Sale
- 5 pm – Plein Air Competition Winners Announced
Saturday Performances…
- 10 am — Music by Hampshire Ukulele Club
- 11 am —Expressions Dance & Tumbling exhibitions
- 11:30 am — Music by Honeybee Community Chorus
- 12:30 pm — “Energy Encounters of the Fifth Kind” puppet show by All Hands In
- 1:30 pm — Music by Davis Bradley Duo
- 3 pm — Expressions Dance & Tumbling exhibitions
- 3:30 pm — Music by Centerfire Bluegrass Band
- 4:30 pm— “Energy Encounters of the Fifth Kind” puppet show by All Hands In
- 5 pm — Music by Junk Mountain (after Plein Air competition winners announcement)
Exhibiting Artists
To Be Announced
Thanks to our Festival Advertisers & Sponsors
American Insurance Center
Anderson’s Corner
B.W. Hill Insurance
Capon Bridge Founders Day
Eastern Building Supply
Expressions Dance & Tumbling Studio
Farmhouse Studio & Market
Fish Candy
FNB Bank
Hampshire Co. Co-op & Heritage Marketplace
Hampshire County Arts Council
Hampshire County Democratic Club
Hampshire Recycling Cooperative
Honeybee Music Studio
John D’Amico Studios
Keaton, Frazer, Milleson & Dante PLLC
Koolwink Motel
Potomac Eagle Scenic Train
Romney Diner
Romney Federal Credit Union
State Farm Insurance
The River House
Tim Nichols, DDS Inc., Family Dentistry
Tim & Beth Reese
WV Fairs & Festivals
And Catch These Sunday Activities…
2-hour guided hike through Ice Mountain National Natural Landmark/Nature Preserve. To register call 304-460-8820 or 639KLC@gmail.com
Would you like to Participate in the Festival this year?
Calling all artists to join us for the Hampshire Highlands Arts and Music Festival on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
As you may know this is a fun-filled festival featuring local juried artists, great musicians, dance and tumbling exhibitions, puppet shows, hands-on-art activities for all ages, great food, and giant bubbles for kids.
f you are an artist that would like to participate in this year’s festival, please complete the Registration Form complete the Registration Form (click here). On this form you will find more information regarding the day of the Festival.
Please note that this is a juried event. If you have not yet been juried, please contact Cindy Cole Fulton for information regarding the jury process at cindycolefulton@gmail.com.
See you at the Festival!
Some things to know:
- Each artist will once again be featured on our Facebook page during the weeks prior to the festival, if they want to be.
- Joanne Snead is doing booklets again for advertising. Shout outs are due by April 1 and should be sent to her at joanne_snead@yahoo.com AND If you would like to place an ad see the form that is attached
- The location is in Romney, WV next to the Visitors Center along High Street
- The cost is $20 for HCAC non-members and $10 for members
- The set up time is from 8-9:45am and ready by 10:00am
- Please don’t break down until after 6:00 pm
- This is a juried event – if you have participated in past Arts and Music Festivals, if you sell at the Co-op in Romney or been a part of other local juried events you are already considered juried in. If not, contact Cindy for more information about the jury process.
If you have further questions contact Cindy Cole Fulton at cindycolefulton@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing returning artists and meeting new ones!!
Would you like to assist with the Festival this year?
Contact Charlie or Joanne Snead (304) 298-3039