It’s art tour weekend! RAAC’s 18th annual art tour runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5. Admission is free.
Here’s a map of the studios and venues across Rappahannock open with weekend.
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The Flint Hill studio of Michael Dennis, one of the more than 80 artists and galleries represented on this year’s art tour.
Remember the dazzling visual display that greeted visitors at the Main Gallery at The Washington School for the 2019 art tour sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC)? It’s back this year with a colorful variety of artwork produced by more than 80 fine artists in 28 studios and eight galleries throughout the county. The always popular students’ displays will adorn the surrounding walls as well.
You can start your self-guided tour anywhere you choose but you can see a sample of all the artists’ work at the Main Gallery, located at 567 Mt. Salem Ave., Washington, that will give you a good sense of what awaits you on your scenic journey of studio and gallery visits.Volunteers will greet you and provide you with a tour map and other information.
The Rappahannock County High School’s bake and soup sale will be out front of the Main Gallery — coffee and cider too. Pick up some tasty treats and help the junior class with its fundraising.
art tour main gallery
The Washington School, seen here during a past art tour opening reception, will once again play host to the tour’s main gallery.
While you’re at the gallery, don’t forget to sign up for the free raffle of dinner for two at the world-renowned Inn at Little Washington. And you can start taking photos of your tour experience for this year’s photo contest. You may submit up to five photos of whatever catches your eye during the weekend. Three winners will have their photos published in the Rappahannock News.
What’s new
First and foremost, all of the art will be new and surprising to visitors. The artists have been diligently working over the past months to create works of art for this extraordinary event. Regardless of their particular mediums, materials and creative process, they all share the desire to show their work, answer questions and hear your reflections.
Four artists are opening their studios for the first time on the tour:
New artists join RAAC’s Art Tour: Tina Falkenbury & Paul Falkenbury
A clear sign that the Rappahannock artists’ community is flourishing is that new professional local artists join the Fall Art Tour each year.
Four local artists will open their studios for the first time on Nov. 4 and 5, the dates of the 18th annual tour, sponsored by the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC). They will join a group of 28 studio artists and eight galleries, representing more than 80 artists.
New fall tour artists share love of outdoors: Nora Harrington and Charlie Tompkins
Two Rappahannock artists participating for the first time in the annual Fall Art Tour this weekend (Nov. 4 and 5) share a joint interest: they have been inspired by the outdoors and the Shenandoah National Park.
Plan your weekend
It’s never been easier or more convenient to put your tour plan together in advance. All of the information you need is available at fallarttour.org. You can learn about the artists and their work, find their locations on the printable map and get information about food (grab and go, carry-out and dine in) and other services.
Also on the Tour…
Christopher & Carrington collaborate
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Nol Putnam works in this Huntly forge.
Tim Carrington art
“Yonkers Folklorica” by Tim Carrington
Award-winning Rappahannock News photographer Luke Christopher will join painter and journalist Tim Carrington as a guest on RAAC’s Fall Art Tour this weekend.
The two have collaborated frequently at the Rappahannock News, where Carrington regularly contributes through Foothills Forum. Carrington’s “Leaving the Forge,” on the celebrated artist-blacksmith Nol Putnam, won second place for feature writing at the 2022 Virginia Press Association awards ceremony; Christopher’s accompanying photo essay won a VPA “Best in Show” award.
During the tour, Carrington’s paintings will be on display at his Tiger Valley home and studio, as well as prints of Christopher’s photographs.
Windsor-Mann’s ‘12 Months on 12 Acres’ now available
12 Months on 12 Acres by Ruthie Windsor-Mann
A sketch from the new book “12 Months on 12 Acres” by Ruthie Windsor-Mann.
12 Months on 12 Acres by Ruthie Windsor-Mann
A sketch from the new book “12 Months on 12 Acres” by Ruthie Windsor-Mann.
Just in time for the Fall Art Tour, Rappahannock artist Ruthie Windsor-Mann’s second book is now available — and it’s a treat.
“What could be better than spending a year in the countryside of Rappahannock County? Just one thing: seeing it through the eyes and artistry of Ruthie Windsor-Mann,” wrote Red Truck Bakery founder Brian Noyes.
“I decided to do the book because I had a section on my website called: Twelve Acre Work,” Windsor-Mann said. “I thought it would be a neat idea for an art show. I could use any medium with the premise that everything I painted was derived from the 12 acres from which I lived and worked. I began selling art with pen & ink with watercolors and a book using that medium seemed like both a natural progression as well as a throwback to my origins as a painter.”
You can buy a copy at Windsor-Mann’s studio near Washington during this weekend’s tour, at R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery and at both locations of Red Truck Bakery.
Calling your inner artist…
We know you’re here to look at other people’s art… but it’s time for you to show your inner artist, too. Submit your photos from the weekend to the inaugural art tour photo contest!
Be inspired by: The works of art you see on the tour; the interactions you have with artists; the beauty of Rappahannock County…or whatever happens to catch your eye this weekend
What do you win?: The top three photos will be featured in the Rappahannock News and on the Fall Art Tour website. Who knows if you’ll go viral from there!
How to enter: Submit up to five photos to [email protected] (in one email) taken in Rappahannock County over Fall Art Tour weekend. Please include your name and zip code
Limit each photo to less than 2MB but feel free to use a zip folder (Google folders won’t be considered).
All entries must be emailed by Nov. 10 for consideration.
Entries will be judged by Luke Christopher and Ray Boc, professional photographers from the county and artists on the tour.
All photos must be original work, taken by the entrants who submit them. By submitting images, entrants agree that photos may be used by RAAC and the Fall Art Tour for advertising and promotional purposes.
