Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival
At one of the largest juried craft shows in southwestern Virginia, each July more than 100 artisans display traditional and contemporary artwork, leather goods, wooden crafts, pottery and other work. The eventful weekend is held at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia, and includes demonstrations, children's activities, music and food. The Art League of Marion established the festival in 1974 as a way to showcase the talent of local artists and craftsmen. In cooperation with the Virginia Division of State Parks, the success of the festival has continued to grow each year from 12,000 visitors in 1976 to approximately 25,000.
Proceeds from the festival support the following: Annual scholarships to high school and college students; yearly donations to the William King Regional Arts Center's VanGogh Outreach Program; monies to two local amateur drama organizations, sponsorship of an annual high school art show; participation in a local highway beautification program; purchase of art supplies for local schools, hospitals and day care centers; and financial support of the Lincoln Theatre Foundation.
For more information on festival dates, exhibit criteria and more, visit www.hungrymotherfestival.com