Colonial Beach Art Roadtrip

Cover photo: Maggie Lane

The tiny hamlet of Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia (CBVA), is home to a big, thriving art scene, thanks in part to the efforts of the Colonial Beach Artists Guild, a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to provide exhibition opportunities for local and regional artists, education, and community appreciation for and participation in visual arts and artistic processes.

In the small town of Colonial Beach, art lovers can visit multiple locations around Town to view artwork by award-winning artists. Seasonally, the Guild sponsors Second Friday Art Walks every second Friday of the month. The evening is a fun event that includes refreshments, wine, live music and more, in addition to featuring works of art in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists.

 

Additionally, the Artists’ Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts Gallery hosts a Bird Themed Art Show every year in support of and in conjunction with the annual Downtown Colonial Beach Osprey Festival, typically held in April.

 

Annual Potomac River Regional Art Show 

Art lovers can attend the Annual Potomac River Regional Art Show, presented by the Colonial Beach Artists’ Guild. Held Saturday and Sunday, at Colonial Beach Town Center, Washington Ave and Hawthorn St., the show features an exhibit of works from regional painters, photographers, and 3D artists. The event is open to the public with free admission.

The Potomac River Regional Art Show is a judged show including works of art from a number of different artists. Featured are many different mediums of paintings, including graphite pet portraits; photography, including digitally-manipulated photographs printed on watercolor paper with a cold wax finish; and 3D art, such as sculpture art, fiber art, mosaic art, and recycled art from various household items.

Kathleen Moran, president of Colonial Beach Artists Guild, is excited about the variety of works featured in each year’s show, such as horse portraits and art made from teacups and other common goods. She also draws attention to the digital works, which conjures up inferences to iconic photographer Ansel Adams, who sometimes made hundreds of different versions of his photos to get just the right effect he wanted.

COVID-19 gave artists lots of time to work on their craft, but also created pent-up demand because of their inability to show it.

“We have a call for entries several months before the show,” explains Moran. “Almost immediately we hear from artists far beyond our region–all around Virginia–who are eager to show their work.”

Where to View Art in Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia

During Second Friday Art Walks, art can be viewed at

Coldwell Banker Elite 233 N. Irving Street
Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce 216 N. Irving Street
Colonial Buzz Espresso Bar 234 Colonial Avenue
Dockside Realty 104 Taylor Street
Hawthorne Mercantile 116 Hawthorne Street
Jarrett Thor Gallery and Artists’ Alliance 100 Taylor St. Contact Rob Ruddick 301-452-1333
Peddlers Market 501 Euclid Street
Potomac River Fisheries Commission 222 Taylor Street
RMS Design 106 A N. Irving Avenue
St. Mary’s Parish Hall 203 Dennison Street

Street Art in Colonial Beach

Town of Colonial Beach is also home to over a dozen street art wall murals, sculptures and kitschy roadside attractions (with more added all the time!) Download our Wall Murals & Street Art Tour and see how many you can find!