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Back to the Lake in '08

For the "creative people" of Richmond, art and sharing the beauty of it with the world is spectacularly important. Innovative paintings, sculptures, photography, acrylics -- it's what they believe brings life to the city.

So what do you get when you partner up to 100 different Richmond artists' ideas of expression with the natural (albeit well-manicured) beauty of the Westhampton Lake located on the University of Richmond   campus?

An appropriately titled Arts Around the Lake celebration.

For the 29th year in a row, white tents will line the lake and underneath them colorful, imaginative and one-of-a-kind works will be on view for "oohs," "aahs" and, most importantly, purchase.

"It has grown considerably over the years and it's our biggest community event held on campus," said Allison Vogler , volunteer PR chair for the event.

"We have anywhere from 15 to 20,000 [people attend] usually."

 

What began as part of U of R's 150th anniversary celebration in 1979 has now transformed into the university's effort to give back to the Richmond community. Proceeds from the event are pooled together in the form of a scholarship for one local student towards attending the university.

A highly respected and juried show, the event hosts only those artists from Richmond and close surrounding areas, in efforts to support the local artistic talents in the community.

These artists and their work are reviewed every four years to assure that the quality of work presented at the show is maintained.

"It gives us a chance to get new artists in the show," said Vogler. "And, for artists, if they have expanded to another medium and started doing something new, it keeps the show fresh and at the caliber that we want."

Due to construction over the past two years, Arts Around the Lake was moved inside to the Robin's Center . But with construction completed and the promise of a sunny day, it's back to the lake in '08.

The 29th annual Arts Around the Lake will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 on the Westhampton Lake located at the University of Richmond . Admission and parking are free and food vendors will be on site. In the event of rain, Arts Around the Lake will be moved inside to the Robin's Center . For more information, call the University of Richmond's Office of Alumni Relations at (804) 289-8030 or visit uronline.net .