SMAC EXPO
Bring a friend. Bring a neighbor.“Celebrating Art and Creativity: A Day of Family Fun with the 1st Smith Mountain Arts Council eXpo” |
The picturesque shores of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia are set to come alive with creativity on May 11, 2024, as the Smith Mountain Arts Council eXpo makes its debut. Hosted at the Trinity Ecumenical Parish from 10 AM to 3PM, rain or shine, this family-friendly FREE event promises to showcase the extraordinary literary, visual, and performing arts talent we have in this community.
Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic expressions, from riveting literary works brought to life on stage, to fascinating visual displays and captivating live performances. With something for everyone, the Smith Mountain Arts Council eXpo promises to inspire, entertain, and delight.
Visitors can expect to be captivated by the talents of local artists who will be on hand to showcase their artwork and conversations about their creative process. From paintings and sculptures to photography, mixed media and woodturning, the eXpo will offer a vibrant tapestry of artistic styles and mediums to explore. For those with a love of literature, the eXpo will provide a platform for local authors to share their works and connect with readers. From children’s books to novels, poetry, and nonfiction, there will be a wealth of literary treasures to discover and enjoy.
In addition to our local artists, we are thrilled to have the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artmobile on site for the day. This is an immersive experience, brought to you from the VMFA collection “Love Laughter, Tears: An Artist’s Guide to Emotions”. This dynamic compilation of paintings, prints, photographs, and film, by artists from a range of cultures and time periods, examines the relationship between art and emotion and considers how artistic depictions of emotions can connect humanity and foster mutual understanding.
Emotion and expression have always been integral to the creative process of artmaking, as artists convey emotions through their use of color, shapes, symbolism, and text, but in the aftermath of the pandemic and amid growing societal divisions, emotions, empathy, and self-reflection hold even greater significance. The works of art traveling in this exhibition include works by artists such as Kiyoshi Saito, Stephen Shame, Gabriel Sunday Tenabe, Nell Blane, and others. This is a can’t miss part of our eXpo experience for all ages.
In addition to the visual arts, the eXpo will also feature an exciting lineup of live performances, including music and theater. Audiences can look forward to being entertained by talented performers who will bring the stage to life throughout the day; from a look at selections from the upcoming June concert from the Lakeside Singers; to monologues and songs from the recently released Lake Players show; to the Junior Appalachian Musicians, a group of talented children in grades 4-8 who are being taught to play traditional old time and bluegrass music; and much more.
The SMAC eXpo is more than just a showcase of talent; it is a community event that fosters a sense of connection and belonging. With interactive activities for the children, face painting, juggling, a stilt walker, food vendors and opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow art lovers, the eXpo promises to be a new, unique event filled with laughter, inspiration, and creativity. Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado or simply looking for a fun-filled day out with the family, the SMAC eXpo is an event not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, spread the word, gather your neighbors and loved ones, and join us for a day of celebration as we come together to honor the beauty and power of the arts. Learn about the many facets of the arts community that the Smith Mountain Arts Council and its affiliates continually bring to our lake area throughout the year.
