Event Spotlight: Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show

Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show

Photo Courtesy of Virginia MOCA

Friday, Oct. 4: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (new extended hours this year)

Saturday, Oct. 5: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Produced by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the 68th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show Presented by PNC is an event that art enthusiasts will relish. This premier event, which is free and open to the public, is an anchor event for Virginia MOCA and sets itself apart from other art shows as one of the only outdoor art shows by an accredited museum. At its core, the show is a celebration of art in Virginia Beach, and this is the event behind the Virginia MOCA’s launch decades ago.

Here’s what you can look forward to at this year’s show happening Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

With the magnificent Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show will occur right on the boardwalk between 24th and 35th Streets. In tents lining the boardwalk, this juried art show will showcase the diverse, talented work of more than 150 selected artists from all over our nation. The show will feature a wide selection of fine art and contemporary crafts including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork and more. This is the perfect opportunity to help support artists and also get a jumpstart on holiday shopping!

Long-time show participant Daniel O’Connor has been selected as the featured artist of this year’s Boardwalk Art Show. As part of this honor, O’Connor has designed the upcoming show’s T-shirt and commemorative poster, titled “What the Tides Brought In.” O’Connor’s original painting with this same title is currently on display at Virginia MOCA.

The Boardwalk Art Show will also include many other incredible features.

ART Park

At 31st Street Park, an interactive ART Park will feature numerous activities on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With art demonstrations by Virginia MOCA teaching artists and a variety of other interesting events including partnering organizations to performances by local musicians and dance groups, the park will be brimming with exciting things to see and do. The ART Park is free and open to the public.

Live Mural Paintings

Also not to be missed, local artists from the ViBe Creative District will paint original murals live on the boardwalk. This is the second year this unique experience will be offered at the show.

Liquid Art Beer Fest

Brand new this year, the Boardwalk Art Show is partnering with Commonwealth Brewing Co., which will host the Liquid Art Beer Fest at the 24th Street Park. During show hours on Saturday and Sunday, this beer fest will offer samplings from more than 40 international breweries. In addition, the fest will feature live music and live art installations.

Show attendees will also have the opportunity to create their own chalk art directly on the boardwalk, and food trucks will be selling tasty food items.

Interested in helping support this year’s Boardwalk Art Show? Click below for some ways to get involved:

Volunteer>>

Donate to the Artist Prize Fund>> For more information about the Virginia MOCA 68th Annual Boardwalk Art Show, visit BoardWalkArtShow.com. To learn more about the Virginia MOCA, visit VirginiaMOCA.org.

  • ART Park at Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show
  • Liquid Art Beer Fest
  • Virginia MOCA
  • Virginia MOCA Art Event
  • Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show
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