Artists from around the East Coast will share their talents at the 12th Arts in the Middle (AIM) Spring Fine Arts Festival, June 6-7 on the grounds of the historic Hewick Plantation, 5123 Old Virginia St., Urbanna. More than 70 juried artists will feature their work in a variety of mediums – watercolor and acrylic painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile art, glasswork, jewelry and metal work. Admission and parking are free.
In addition to visiting artists, AIM includes a tent featuring 14 local artists who will display paintings, photography, textiles, pottery, mixed media and printmaking.
And in addition to the art show, the AIM weekend offers something for the entire family. Fourteen bands and solo artists will perform on two different stages throughout the weekend. Area residents Clayton Neal and Heather Dodson have organized the lineup, which includes a wide variety of jazz, pop, blues, and country musicians. “We have a fantastic group of entertainers this year,” Neal said. “We are happy to have the Bobby Blackhat Band returning again – they are always a crowd favorite.”
For the younger set, there will be an area for hands-on art projects, games, toys and crafts. “Our goal is to give children the opportunity to create art and learn to appreciate art in a meaningful way,” said children’s area organizer Blair Rhodes. While at AIM, attendees can enjoy an array of food and drink with visiting vendors Dragon Run Dogs and Small Town Burger, as well as wine, champagne, beer and other drinks from the beverage tent. Cooler refreshments like shaved ice will be provided by Kona Ice.
AIM show coordinator Mary Ellen Huennekens said that the Arts in the Middle event not only provides a fun weekend for area families, but also brings thousands of visitors to Urbanna, which is beneficial for area businesses. “We have people from all over coming to our community where they can take in the great shops and restaurants we have here in Middlesex County,” said Huennekens.
Huennekens also points out that the event would not be possible without the close to 100 volunteers that bring AIM to life. “Our volunteers are the backbone of AIM – from safety and security to hosting visiting artists to on-site hospitality – our volunteers make AIM happen.”
Student artists opportunities
AIM also offers opportunities for student artists–current high school students, those enrolled in an arts-related field at college, or recent college graduates–to display their creations at the event. Lauren Ahnemann, a recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, will be showing her work in illustration, graphic design, painting, and drawing in digital and traditional mediums. This will be Ahnemann’s seventh year participating in Arts in the Middle, but a special one, as her illustration has been selected for the official poster for the 2026 event. In addition, Ahnemann along with Middlesex High School senior Katelin Reiner are coordinating the student artist tent. Area students interested in displaying and selling their work at the festival must have at least five pieces to exhibit and be fully available for the show dates and times. There is a $25 fee to help defray the cost of the shared tent.
For information and to apply, see https://artsinthemiddle.com/pages/artist-app.php.
Arts in the Middle relies on the generosity of local businesses and donors to bring this event to the community each year. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 2026 Festival. Interested parties may contact artsinthemiddlefestival@gmail.com for information.
Find out more about AIM online at https://artsinthemiddle.com/.
