Archive

Once again, Bristol will be alive with the arts for a special State of the Arts Weekend on June 20–22, coordinated by the Believe in Bristol Arts & Entertainment District Steering Committee. Committee members are working with numerous venues, artists and performers to promote and plan arts activities to enjoy throughout downtown over the weekend. It's also a time to spotlight artists and venues that are doing what they do best: bringing Bristol consistently great performances and memorable artistic experiences.

"State of the Arts is always a wonderful weekend – and this year there are so many fun activities for everyone to enjoy, many of which are free to the public,” says René Rodgers, Associate Director of Believe in Bristol. “We are so proud of our Arts & Entertainment District and all it has to offer, and State of the Arts is a great way to celebrate the arts downtown!”

The State of the Arts Weekend is part of the continuing effort to keep the Bristol art scene's momentum going strong and to establish the cities as the region's premier destination for arts and entertainment.

“State of the Arts weekend was the brainchild of Jerry Goodpasture and the Arts & Entertainment Steering Committee,” says Mimi Kind, chair of the Arts & Entertainment Steering Committee and owner of One of a Kind Gallery. “Each year, it has gotten bigger and better, with more activities and ways to appreciate the variety of arts right here in downtown Bristol. You just can’t miss the great time you'll have enjoying your downtown arts destinations and special events this weekend!”

Artists, venues and performers are invited to contact Believe in Bristol to participate in the collective promotions, coordinate with others in downtown Bristol, or participate in the Committee's efforts to build on the success of last year's event.

The following is a list of confirmed activities for the State of the Arts Weekend. If you are a business owner in the downtown community and would like to publicize an arts event, or need help developing an event, please contact the Believe in Bristol office at 276-644-9700.

Friday, June 20
* 10:30 am — Press conference at the Believe in Bristol office at 36 Moore Street about future arts events
* 12:00 pm — Tunes @ Noon with Rex Ward and the Mighty Wurlitzer at the Paramount Center for the Arts
* 6:00–9:00 pm — Art D'Vine, a gallery hop and wine tasting throughout Historic Downtown Bristol — Participating galleries include Kil'n Time, One Night Stand Gallery (Hayes Furniture Building), Benjamin Walls Gallery, 606 State Street Gallery, One of a Kind Gallery, blowfish emporium, Pretty Girl Station, and Hatching Perspective Gallery
* 6:00–10:30 pm — Border Bash, a summer concert series featuring JP Parsons and Jon Ladeau, along with children’s activities and food and arts & crafts vendors
*10:00 pm — Roots of the Rebellion at 620 State
* Time TBC — Electric Soulpandemic at O’Mainnin’s Pub

Saturday, June 21
*10:00 am–12 noon — State of the Arts Kids Day at the TriSummit Parking lot – This FREE event will feature a hands-on craft project, face painting, balloon animals, cookie decorating, dance movement class, and sidewalk chalk for creative expression.
Sponsored by the Junior League of Bristol, Blackbird Bakery, City of Bristol, VA, and TriSummit Bank
* 11:00 am–noon — State of the Arts POWER HOUR art competition at State Street Farmers Market – Artists from all over the area are invited to come out and complete a work of art of their choosing from start to finish in one hour. The winning artist will be featured on the Believe in Bristol website, along with our Facebook page, and also displayed in a local gallery for one month.
For more information and to register, email info@believeinbristol.org.
* 1:00–3:00 pm — Kids’ Kite DIY Suncatcher Craft at 606 State Street Gallery, registration requested by June 14 (www.606statestreetgallery.com)
* 1:00–3:00 pm — Strike a pose! Check out the ballerinas in the Bristol Ballet window.
* At dark — Special FREE screening of 2013’s “The Great Gatsby” at Cumberland Square Park, sponsored by BVU
* 10:00 pm — The Deep Fried Five at 620 State
* Time TBC — Craig Street Ramblers, Josh Wingate, and Effrin at O’Mainnin’s Pub

Sunday, June 22
*3:00–6:00 pm — Local Talent Showcase at 606 State Street Gallery, featuring Dan Deel, Samantha Gray, Jimi Hall, Annie Robinette, Kat Rush of Barlow Gin & The Hatchetmen, and Wise Old River

All weekend!
*Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm /Sunday 2:30 pm — Theatre Bristol’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Paramount Center for the Arts
* Friday & Saturday — Rising Stars Art Show at One of a Kind Gallery, plus an extra 10% off all discounted art supplies
* Friday & Saturday — At the Benjamin Walls Gallery, view the two pieces chosen by the Smithsonian for their exclusive exhibit in September, along with 30 new images created by Ben since last year’s State of the Arts weekend!
* Friday & Saturday — 20% off select items at Kil’n Time
* Friday & Saturday — 20% off all braided rugs at Cranberry Lane
* Friday & Saturday — 10% off all jewelry items at Studio 6
* Friday & Saturday — 10% off storewide at Pretty Girl Station
* Art in Public Places self-guided sculpture walk (pick up your map from various outlets downtown)
* Historic Downtown Bristol self-guided walking tour (pick up your map from various outlets downtown)

In November of 2010, the City of Bristol Virginia officially designated Downtown Bristol as an Arts & Entertainment District and charged Believe in Bristol with the oversight of this district. The district steering committee has representation from each of the arts-based businesses in Downtown Bristol and works together to boost Bristol's creative economy and cultural tourism, and collaborate to develop, encourage, and enhance ideas that cultivate Bristol's creativity. The sponsors for this year’s event are the Arts & Entertainment District of Historic Downtown Bristol, Believe in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music, BVU, the City of Bristol, VA, the City of Bristol, TN, Junior League of Bristol, TriSummit Bank, and Blackbird Bakery.

For more information, please contact Believe in Bristol at 276-644-9700 or info@believeinbristol.org.