ArtScape Where Art Meets Life

Since 2009, the Old Town Advancement Commission (OTAC) and the Shenandoah Arts Council (ShenArts) have partnered and collaborated to bring an outdoor gallery to the historic downtown area of Winchester. Again, this year additional support is being provided by the MSV. Artists of all ages are invited to participate in this juried art competition, with selected artwork being reproduced on banners that will then hang on the light posts throughout the downtown area from April through December.

Why “Artscape” in Winchester?

The project's objective is to create an outdoor gallery experience. A community-building project created by volunteers of the OTAC, ShenArts, and the MSV, it adds interest and color to the downtown streetscape with art. The colorful banners will encourage pedestrians to stroll and traffic to slow down to enjoy the area. Showcasing locally created art provides a unique twist on an outdoor gallery experience.

How does it work?

Artists of all ages submit work that will be reviewed by a jury. Some of the works chosen will be by artisans 18 or younger and the majority will be from both professional and amateur adult artists. The chosen works will be professionally photographed and digitally transferred directly onto vinyl banners. The artist's work and name will appear on both sides of the banner, along with the name of the corporate sponsor of that individual banner.

The original artwork will be on display at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, with a reception opening in April. After the exhibit, the originals that have not sold will be returned to the artists. At the end of the year, the banners will be removed and become the property of the corporate sponsor. The sponsor does not receive reproductive rights of the work.

Exhibition Dates

Banners on light poles in Old Town Winchester will hang April 15 through December of 2019.

"Art in the Halls" at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley will hang April 16 to July 14, with a reception on April 16, 2019.