Art at the River – Annual Juried Art Show will return to Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown Sunday, May 4
Art at the River is coming for it’s 12th Annual show on Sunday May 4 at the Yorktown Riverfront
12th Annual Art at the River – May 4, 2025
On Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Historic Yorktown waterfront will come alive with creativity during the 12th Annual Art at the River Juried Art Show. Guests are invited to stroll along the scenic Riverwalk and admire (and purchase!) a diverse selection of original works—ranging from paintings and pottery to jewelry, photography, glass art, woodcraft, metalwork, and much more.
Each participating artist is thoughtfully chosen for this juried exhibition, with many traveling from Richmond and across the greater Tidewater area. Their inspiration stems from a wide range of sources, and learning the stories behind their art is as captivating as the work itself.
Yorktown Plein Air – A New Outdoor Experience
For those who appreciate the art of painting in the open air, this year introduces the inaugural Yorktown Plein Air event. Artists will set up outdoors to capture the natural beauty of Yorktown in various media—from vivid oils and expressive watercolors to bold acrylics and detailed pen & ink. It’s a vibrant celebration of 2D artistic expression.
Day-of registration will be available, but early sign-up is strongly encouraged. Artists may begin checking in at 8 a.m. and must submit their finished pieces by 1 p.m. for judging. Awards will be announced the same day.
Plein Air Prize Awards
- 1st Place: $350
- 2nd Place: $250
- 3rd Place: $100
- Two Honorable Mentions: $50 merchandise certificates each
While plein air artworks won’t be sold onsite due to location policies, art lovers will have the opportunity to view and purchase pieces during a special exhibit at On the Hill Gallery (5308 George Washington Memorial Hwy). The show will run from May 6–20 and will highlight works completed during the event.
Come Discover Yorktown—Through the Eyes of Local Artists!
Featured Artists in Art at the River
- David Allen – Color pencils and pens
- Velda Baglieri – Watercolor and acrylic
- Darlene Colley – Fused glass
- Ellen Demaria – Water Media
- Timothy Doucette – Woodworking
- David E. Dubbe – Metalwork
- Laurie Elder – Watercolor
- Stephany D. Elsworth – Pen/ink & acrylic
- Linda Hall – Jewelry
- Audrey Hauserman – Quilts
- Rick Hopson – Photography
- Kathleen M. Hutter – Oil and pastels
- Marshal Jackson – Oil painting
- Jane Keckler – Watercolor
- Al A. Latorre – Oil on canvas
- Barbara Meier – Stained and fused glass
- Diane Milner – Jewelry
- Wendy Nelson – Photography
- Lemuel (Lem) Ollet – Mixed Media
- Tenley Raithel – Oils
- Noah Smith – Oil and acrylic
- Amelia Snowden – Watercolor jewelry
- Lauren Sowder – Watercolor and printmaking
- Russell Turnage – Porcelain pottery
- Jamal Watts – Jewelry and mixed media
- Jacqueline Weber – Jewelry
- Shirley Whitehead – Photography
Food & Entertainment Highlights
- Enjoy food and beverage offerings from Coastal Thirst throughout the day.
- Sample local wines with tastings by Hampton Roads Winery—bottles available for purchase.
- View creative submissions from local students in the Student Art Show.
- Catch a live performance by the Newport News Police Pipes and Drums at 10 a.m.
- Groove to live music by Audio Portrait, performing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Take a scenic ride on the Yorktown Trolley, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Juried Art Show Awards
Over $4,000 in prizes will be presented to top artists in categories including 2D, 3D, jewelry, and photography. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded. A highlight of the event is the Susan H. Powell Best in Show Award, named in memory of the show’s founder, a devoted arts advocate whose contributions enriched Yorktown and the greater Peninsula community. Visitors can also vote for the People’s Choice Award—with the winner receiving a $500 prize.
Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public parking lots. The free, ADA-accessible 
Yorktown Trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several stops throughout town. The event will be held rain or shine.
Location: Riverwalk Landing
331 Water Street
Yorktown, VA 23690
This event is presented by the Art at the River Committee in conjunction with York County and the Yorktown Foundation, with support from the Celebrate Yorktown Committee, the Economic Development Authority, and the York County and Williamsburg Area Arts Commissions.
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