The folks at FestivAll have released the schedule of events and details on a slew of the events they have lined up for this year’s VirtuAll FestivAll, and it looks like Charleston will find a way to become a work of art while still encouraging public safety and good health.

The design for this year’s T Shirt, by Carolyn Murphy (seen right), will be for sale in June, with details on how to get yours posted on the FestivALL website then.

There are some great events coming up, and some interesting new virtual takes on our city’s usual celebrations. Today we’re looking at just a few examples of what FestivALL will have to offer.

CAMC Foundation “Run for Your Life” Virtual Run/Walk

This month-long event kicks off before FestivALL and runs (see what I did there) all month long. 2020 CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life Virtual is a unique Virtual experience, as the CAMC Foundation holds a fun and safe experience in which you partake by running or walking anywhere, anytime. All funds raised benefit awareness and screening initiatives for colorectal cancer in your community.

Registrants will receive the following:

• 2020 CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life T-Shirt – your choice of cotton or dri-fit.
• 2020 CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life Ultralight and versatile gaiter – wears the way you want it.

Now, I have somewhat Shakespearian view of running–I see no reason to do it if I’m not being pursued by a bear, but if this is your idea of a fun time, why not sign up, raise money for a good cause, and get a few cool goodies. To keep this artistic, you can think of it as your own reenactment of “The Lonliness of The Long-Distance Runner.”

Details can be found HERE. 

Show Your Pride” Window Display Contest

Running from June 6 to June 20, Charleston busineses can celebrate Pride Month by using the colors of the rainbow. Businesses throughout Charleston use their storefronts to turn the city into a work of art this June. You can vote for your favorite on the Rainbow Pride WV Facebook page through June 18th. Winner will be announced Saturday, June 20th.

Ice Cream & The Arts

This virtual coloring contest takes place une 8th to June 19th with winners announced June 20th. Each entry requires a $5 minimum donation, which will support select West Side businesses.

This virtual coloring contest features unique coloring sheets from 2019 chalk artists Blake Wheeler, Kelly Bryant, and Mallory Burka. In the spirit of the originally-planned event, it is suggested that you indulge in some Ellen’s Ice Cream while you do this.

Like you needed a reason to eat Ice cream from Ellen’s.

Details can be found HERE.

Virtual Art Fair

Over 70 new and returning artisans will display and sell their work in this juried art fair dedicated to handmade items created by local and regional artists. This fair has grown to be one of the largest events of its kind in the state, and in it’s 16th year this staple of FestivALL is changing for the first time.

Like many events around the world transitioning to a virtual platform, we will transform the fair into an online experience. The virtual fair will be open for the 15 days of FestivALL, providing the opportunity to shop small, support WV’s economy, and learn about the techniques that go into making some of your favorite products. Virtual Fair will open on June 14th on the FestivALL website – check it regularly for the gallery and links to shop your favorite WV artisans this summer.

Also, check in on Saturday June 27th for the premiere of the Virtual Art Fair Experience featuring behind the scenes looks at artists, performances by local musicians and street performers, and guest appearances from all sorts of FestivALL favorites. Virtual FestivALL Experience will premiere on YouTube on Saturday, June 27th at 1PM.

CREATORS TALK – “From Screen to Stage: Transforming Paradise Park the movie to the Staged Musical, with Larry Groce and Danny Boyd”

As a part of WVSU Creators program, listen to Larry and Danny take us through the process of transforming Paradise Park from the original motion picture in 1992 to the staged musical. Selected scenes from the original movie will be shown with related songs for the musical. Discussion will be live-streamed so the audience can ask Danny & Larry questions about their process, inspirations, and more.

This will happen on YouTube HERE.

This is just the beginning. Next week I’ll post about more events tied to VirtuAll FestivAll, with links and details on how you can bring the work of art into your own home.