The guests meandered through the home of Joyce and Andre Hilliou just northwest of Fincastle gazing appreciatively at art prepared by area artists but particularly artists who had spent time as fellows at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in Amherst County.

Paul Tucker, hostess Joyce Hillou and VCCA executive director Suny Monk discuss the beautiful art at the exhibition at Hillou's house on Sunday, June 1.

Artists honored and exhibited in the home from the VCCA at the event included Ross Arkell, Betty Branch, Brian Counihan, Ed Dolinger, Eric Fitzpatrick, Barbara Crawford, Lucy Hazelgrove and Leslie Tucker.

“We came over the mountain for the event,” said Suny Monk, Executive Director. “The VCCA provides a quiet environment for writers, composers and artists. The fellowship lasts from two weeks to two months.” Monk told the crowd that numbered around 70 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weathered a thunderstorm front that crept over the mountains like a spreading stain of clouds –a breathtaking view from the wide front porch of the log and stone home.

She also said, “The arts represent the history of the time in which we live. That is why we must support the arts. When you think back 50-100 years ago, the art, writing and music is what we recall as out knowledge of the time.”

The program is international with a mix of applicants both old and new. Craig Pleasants, program director just arrived from Germany where he is arranging an exhibit. Some of the authors who have used the center are Alice McDermott, Han Jin, Gregory McGuire and many others. Harper Lee and Rita Dove are on the advisory board of the center located on the Sweet Briar College property.

Joyce Hilliou had an art gallery in Fincastle for several years and is very well-respected for the quality of the exhibitions she held there. She said, “We must keep the arts in out schools. The arts are the first thing dropped in budgets, yet they are so important to the times and culture of who we are.”

Botetourt’s three judges, Bo Trumbo, Kerry Campbell and Paul Tucker and their wives Susan, Marsha and Terry attended. Local artists Harriet and Harold Little were there. Historic Fincastle, Inc was well represented as well Peggy Crosson, Peggy Davis, Harry Mac Williamson, Lissy Mirenda, Bruce and Cassandra Bulmer and the list goes on. Conservationists Rosemary Thomas and Genevieve and John Goss were among the guests. Local theatre people such as Pete and Freda Wood, Marsha Campbell and others also attended. Local writer Anita Firebaugh and husband James came to the event. From the Lynchburg area, old and new money represented by the board of directors with names like Christian, Grayson and Bradley and other friends of the VCCA also made a trip over the mountain.

Schaal's Catering of Fincastle provided food and drink for the event.

It was an exciting albeit artistic moment in Botetourt County where the love of the arts combined with fellowship and beautiful surroundings.

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• Posted by cathy benson in Arts & entertainment
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