Del Ray’s signature celebration of creativity, community and culture hits a milestone this fall, as Art on the Avenue marks its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 4. Bringing together more than 350 artists, live music, international food and family-friendly fun, Art on the Avenue has grown from a small neighborhood gathering into one of the region’s top arts events – all while staying true to its local roots.

"It used to be just a couple blocks when we first started, and it's just gone bigger and bigger and better," said retired Alexandria City High School’s visual arts department chair Beth Coast, who participated in the very first Art on the Avenue. "It definitely has a neighborhood, family feel. I see former students, current students, and their parents – I always love seeing that – and so many people that you know, neighbors, everybody – that's the fun part. You feel like you know everybody."

It’s that local involvement that artists and festival-goers say sets Art on the Avenue apart from other art festivals. Despite its tremendous growth, Art on the Avenue remains entirely volunteer-run with support from the local business community.

“Art on the Avenue has grown over the past 30 years and I am proud to say it has remained locally produced,” said Art on the Avenue founder Pat Miller. “The Del Ray community makes Art on the Avenue – over 250 volunteers, local musicians and performers and sponsors. We have always been able to maintain and build on local involvement.”

Artist Lisa Schumaier, who lives just blocks from the festival footprint, recruits neighbors each year to walk her vibrant papier mâché animals down to her booth. "I love how it's really kept the neighborhood feel ... it's always such a great day to say 'hi' to all your friends and your really good customers – it's a good place to connect with your art community, too."

Since the beginning, Art on the Avenue has required that all artists are present at the festival, creating long-term connections between artists and attendees.  "I love that Art on the Avenue is really careful about the artists they choose – that the artist that created the art is the one that's selling it,” said Shumaier. “I think that's really important. It's just so much more fun when you actually get to meet the artist, talk to the artist, and learn the stories about the artwork. It's really wonderful that as Art on the Avenue has grown, it's remained that way."

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