Make a trip to Destination Arts in Waynesboro this October, featuring art exhibits, pottery making, photography displays, and thunder gourd making. The Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro is the innovator of Destination Arts, an effort launched in July 2013 to support downtown revitalization by filling empty storefronts with art galleries. Five years later, the project is part of Waynesboro’s identity and offers five gallery locations—42 West Gallery, Ceramics Art Studio, Gallery 35 East, Gallery 50, and Walnut Street Studios.
As leaves begin to turn the second week of October and peak at the end of the month, it is an excellent time to enjoy the art destinations, cafes, and restaurants of downtown Waynesboro. Waynesboro, also an Appalachian Trail Community, is part of the South Mountain, which is the eastern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beauty is a source of inspiration to artists near and far.
For a “hands on” art experience, consider a class from the Ceramic Arts Studio. October 21 is a chance to make a pinch pot, monster candy dish, using a combination of slab and sculpture in a two-hour class from 2 PM to 4 PM at the 13 South Church Street studio. October 26 offers more fun at Corks & Clay, 7 PM to 9 PM, with a chance to make a Thanksgiving pumpkin platter.
For a more visual experience, enjoy the Fall Art Show at Gallery 50 on West Main Street, featuring regional and local artists Vicki Favilla, Sarah Higgins, Rebecca Grace Jones, Michelle Briddle, and Jan Heath. A Civil War photography exhibit is on display at Gallery 35, on East Main Street. Works exhibited are by Rodney Clark, Noel Kline, and Andy Smetzer and showcase Civil War re-enactments at Gettysburg and Waynesboro.
Music lovers will enjoy the October 17 open mic night at 46 West Main Street from 7 PM to 9 PM at Music Makers. Open mic nights, held alternate Wednesdays, embrace all musical styles.
Other Destination Arts highlights of October include a thunder gourd making demonstration on October 10, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. A thunder gourd, as the name implies, makes a sound like thunder when shaken. Artist Denny Bingaman will show how it is made. Another demonstration by Bingaman, set for October 24, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, shows dyeing and patina-coloring of metal jewelry. Both demonstrations are at 42 West Arts on West Main Street in Waynesboro.