Portsmouth Art Show Expects Big Crowd

If you want to find that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, then the waterfront at Portsmouth, VA's historic Olde Towne is the place to be August 29th and 30th. High Street and the waterfront will be hosting the 39th Annual Seawall Art Show, with some 90 juried artists.

As in previous years, expect to find a little of everything, from wood carving to oil paintings, handwoven clothing to art glass, fine jewelry to pottery, and more.

According to the review of the 2008 Seawall show in Sunshine Artist (the national trade publication which covers this kind of show), you can expect to see a lot of art-savvy buyers.  According to the reviewer, "most come to buy and not just kick tires." Earlene Lampman, one of the volunteer organizers and Artist Liaison for the show, estimates a crowd of about 15,000 visitors to the show this year. Admission to the show is free, as is the street parking on the weekend.

Aside from works for sale by nearly 100 artists, the show also features a student art show, entertainment, and food. Artists vie for many thousands of dollars in awards gathered from exhibitor fees. The show is run by volunteers, and is supported by the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission.