The visual arts side of the HCAC offers a variety of opportunities for visual artists and those interested in the visual arts. Individuals may share their talents at art exhibits and festivals, learn new techniques and/or art processes in workshops and informal groups, or teach children and adults at art camps or in seminars. Member artists are featured in the Member Showcase section of this website.
The first Hampshire Highlands Studio Tour, in December 2008, featured work by 17 artists in 12 studios and The Bottling Works in Romney. Expected to be an annual endeavor the first weekend each December, the 2nd Annual Tour has 18 artists scheduled for December 4-6, 2009.
A Photographers Group meets monthly first Mondays at 10AM at the Hampshire County Public Library. All levels of skill are welcome. Each month's session has a theme and participants are asked to bring photos that reflect that theme (it may be a technique, a subject, a color...) to share and discuss. The Photography Group mounts an open Photography Show upstairs at the Library each March.
An Art Display (individual featured artist or group display) is featured each month on the balcony of the Hampshire County Public Library. In 2009 Exhibits at Taggart Hall are being added.
On-Going exhibits are regularly scheduled at The Bottling Works/ Hampshire County Visitor Center for which the Arts Council installed a Walker hanging system.
HCAC is working with Valley Health/Hampshire Memorial Hospital to arrange local art in the new hospital that is being built.
Annual events coordinated by the visual arts committee of HCAC include: a Hampshire Heritage Days Open Themed Show, at Taggart Hall for the entire month of September in 2009, and the Fall Fine Art & Photography Show, a juried show with cash awards, at The Bottling Works for the month of October.
Volunteers to serve on the Visual Arts Committee and its subcommittees are needed and welcome. Assistance is needed with planning, hanging, and promoting exhibits, the studio tour, and artist receptions. For info on any of these opportunities call Anne Renee Livingston 304-822-4527 or e-mail: