SHELBURNE FALLS — The third annual Bridge of Flowers Art Show & Sale will be held at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center, 53 Main St., on Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, with a reception on Friday, Aug. 15.
Attendees can meet the artists behind more than 100 paintings, drawings, fiber art pieces, photos and other works that are on display during a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and can continue to peruse and buy art on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are looking forward to sharing with the community the great collection of art submitted for this year’s show,” show co-coordinator and glass artist Joanne Soroka said in a statement. “We are thrilled so many talented artists in the region are participating.”
“This year’s art show will showcase work in many styles and price ranges, which we hope is a reflection of the diverse and thriving art community of West County,” added show co-coordinator and painter Ann Lofquist.
The 50 local participating artists will be donating between 50% and 100% of their proceeds to support planting and maintenance work on the Bridge of Flowers, which quietly reopened last month after a nearly $3.2 million, year-long repair project. Artists said they are happy to support the bridge, which has inspired so many in the past.
“The Bridge of Flowers is an icon for Shelburne Falls and West County, and has been an inspiration for artists and photographers like myself. I’m happy to support the bridge and I’m so happy it’s open again,” photographer Ben Barnhardt of Conway said in a statement. “It kind of warms my heart when I drive by to see dozens of people walking around; it’s really great to have it back. I’m always happy to support the bridge in any way I can and support the community. I’m proud to have my work as part of that.”
“The Bridge of Flowers has always been a special place for me,” added Ashfield artist Robert Markey, who is presenting his work in the art show for the second year in a row. “I did do a painting of the Bridge of Flowers for the last show, but for this show, I wanted to have two recent paintings of flowers. I look forward to the show.”
The art show and sale was first held in October 2023. Understanding that the village economy is impacted whenever the popular tourist attraction is closed, members of the Bridge of Flowers Committee, as well as local arts organizations and businesses, set their minds to planning numerous events and activities to help keep local residents and visitors engaged. One of those events was the Bridge of Flowers Art Show & Sale, which has since become a yearly tradition.
In addition to paintings and fiber crafts, shoppers will have a chance to get their hands on a unique piece — a handcrafted poplar, cherry and wisteria table made by a local artisan using wisteria branches that were removed from the bridge when it was closed for repairs.
For more information and photos of work in the exhibit, visit bridgeofflowersmass.org or the Bridge of Flowers Facebook page.
