FAQs

If you don't see your questions listed below, or you need further information, please see the Festival Q&A topic. We will be adding onto this topic, so please stay close.

1.) What is Via Colori®?

The Fredericksburg Arts Commission announces The First Annual Fredericksburg Via Colori® September 24-26, 2010! Via Colori® is the modern day version of a centuries-old tradition in which volunteer artists create large scale pastel drawings directly on the pavement of our city's streets. Via Colori® is a new and singular event which raises funds for arts education efforts in the Fredericksburg area. http://www.viacolori.com/

2.) Where do I go to sign-up?

To sign-up as an artist, performer, sponsor, or volunteer, go to http://www.viacolori.com/. On the left side of the Via Colori homepage there is a listing of participating cities. Click on "Fredericksburg" and scroll down the page to find the sign-up links.  When registering as an artist, the principal artist must be a responsible adult.

3.) Where is this festival taking place?

This event is located in the historic downtown of Frederericksburg, specifically along Sophia and Charlotte Streets, in addition to Riverfront Park. We will post a map of the festival soon, which will include the delineated areas for art, stage, marketplace, and the Via Bambini enclosure.

4.) Do I have to pay a fee to participate as an artist?

No, this is a free event. You will only pay for food and drink, if you choose. Additionally, all artists will be supplied with free materials, including environment-friendly pastels and the proper accoutrement.

5.) Do I have to be a resident of Fredericksburg to participate?

No, everyone is welcome! Anyone can play--from our neighboring counties to other countries! The festival is open to locals and globetrotters alike.

6.) Who can be an artist?

"Artists" qualify as any person, of any age, and any skill level. No matter your occupation, your experience level, or your caliber of artistry, you are welcome to participate! Artists may work as individuals or together as a group. Families of Fredericksburg, we want you, too! This is an event for everyone!  Please note: when registering as an artist, the principal artist must be a responsible adult.

7.) I don't want to work alone. Can I work with friends as a group?

Of course! Collaboration is encouraged! The only rule remains that artists have no commercial interests and do not make paintings boasting logos or trademarks. Again, these squares are not for advertising--sponsors will have signage at their squares.

8.) Can I choose to paint more than one square?

Yes! If you have the energy and vision, go for it! We only ask that you fulfill your obligation to your adopted squares.

9.) I've signed up as an artist, so what can I paint?

The images come from the artists themselves--no themes, no commercial interests, no obligations to sponsors. There are no limitations to your vision; however, the content must be appropriate. This is a public event open to everyone, so please mind the children. Pastel is a forgiving medium, but don't make us get out the pressure washer. Keep responsibility in tact, but let the imagination fly.

10.) I want to participate, but I don't know anything about street-painting.

Via Colori® is an event honoring the creative process, and part of that process is experimentation. Experimentation is an education in and of itself, so be not afraid. Artists may be of any caliber and any experience level. There is no pressure to perform or perfect--just have fun! Exercise your fun. The Via Colori® Fredericksburg festival invites everyone to explore the indispensable, very necessary and celebratory practice of art in our community, and, to step to greater heights: our lives. We have so many artists living, working, and creating in our region, it is time to celebrate! Plainly put, art is important; and, preservation of the practice is essential for the culture at large. All monies acquired from sponsorship are donated to arts education efforts in the Fredericksburg area.

What's more, everyone has the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by acclaimed international street artist Curtis Goldstein in late August. This workshop is not only FREE, but also a hands-on interplay with free materials and street-painting tips. To participate, you must register in advance. More on Curtis and the workshop here: http://www.socializr.com/event/464277790

11.) What materials are suitable for street-painting?

All materials are provided! We have selected eco-approved pastels, remarkably fabricated to protect the nearby watershed. Materials will be distributed at the kick-off event on Friday night. The pastels we supply are the only media allowed on the street, so please abide. The act of street-painting does not begin until Saturday morning.

12.) Who are the sponsors?

We have two categories of sponsors: those who donate a larger sum to the festival itself, and those who sponsor a square. We are currently accepting sponsors through http://www.viacolori.com/. We will propogate a list for you and announce the sponsors by the end of the summer.

13.) Will I know who is sponsoring my square?

Yes, you will learn at the kick-off event on Friday night, September 24, 2010. You have no obligation to this sponsor commercially. Again, these squares are not for advertising--sponsors will have signage at their squares. We ask that you do not incorporate any commercial logos or trademarks in your work. Also note that you cannot request a specific sponsor. All sponsors are assigned in advance.

14.) I'm a professional artist. Can I promote or sell my work at the festival?

All artists who wish to take advantage of this opportunity for exposure may advertise their work in the form of business cards and announcements at their square(s). If you wish to sell your work, you must buy into the Artist Marketplace and provide a representative to sell your work as you draw. For professionals, the Marketplace requires a nominal fee to include city business registration fees.

15.) What is Via Bambini?

It's all in the name. Via Bambini will serve as a children's corner during the festival, located near the parking garage off of Sophia Street. While families and kids can work together on the squares stretching across Sophia and Charlotte Streets, there is also an allocated section for small children to draw. We will have accompanying experienced instructors to lead the project. More information on Via Bambini to come!

16.) Will there be food and drink available to purchase throughout the festival?

Indeed, we have selected a diverse body of vendors prepared to serve you global cuisine. You won't find carnival foods here! We are contracting notable restaurants to provide a sampling for every taste.

17.) What is the schedule like? Are we to work all three days?

The event kick-off is on Friday night. Here you will pick up your materials, mingle and enjoy; there will be no art-making on Friday night. On Saturday morning, 10 a.m., the painting begins. We encourage you to work both Saturday and Sunday. Take your time. Take frequent breaks and peruse your fellow artists' work. We aren't emphasizing the "end result", we want you to relish the experience. Remember, street-paintng is ephemeral--come the following week, the art will disappear. Please see the "Events" tab (on the Official Facebook Page) for specific start times.

18.) Hey, what if it rains on the weekend of September 24-26?

We are hopeful for good weather! Stay on our side, send out the hope! We currently have no alternative date in case of inclement weather; however, we do have a rain delay plan in place. For now, we need not worry.