Colonial Folk Art partners with Arc of Greater Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, VA -- Artistic talent can be found in many places and The Arc of Greater Williamsburg is one of them.

For years, access to an open art studio has been an area of support for some of The Arc’s intellectually disabled but artistically talented clients. Unfortunately, the location The Arc used is no longer available.

Through a fortunate set of coincidences, Colonial Folk Art Studio & Gallery and The Arc came together allowing The Arc’s multitalented artists to continue to have access to open studio time and art instruction.

An open studio – a place where artists can work and have use of equipment, facilities and collaboration – is critical for artists, especially those who don’t have anywhere to work and create their art.

Colonial Folk Art is donating all of the open studio time and occasional instruction from Beverly Burgdorf, co-owner and artist-in-residence of Colonial Folk Art, to The Arc.

“We are very happy to provide Arc with the use of our studio,” Burgdorf said. “This is a great organization and the artists in this group are incredibly talented.”

Since Arc’s use of the studio will predominately be in the evening, it will not interfere with any ongoing art classes or open studio time at Colonial Folk Art.

“It’s just a no-brainer,” Burgdorf said. “We believe in being an active part of the Williamsburg arts community and that includes giving back to the community when we can. Occasionally staying in the studio for a few extra hours and providing assistance, classes or collaboration for these worthy artists is worth every second.”

The Arc artists will also have the opportunity to publically sell and display their works at the monthly art fair, Art in the ‘Burg.

“The intent of Art in the ‘Burg is all about getting art in the Arts District” said Art in the ‘Burg coordinator, Davie Burgdorf. “We’ve always offered free participation in the fairs to art-related groups and organizations and The Arc certainly qualifies.”

Art in the ‘Burg is a monthly, small venue art fair sponsored by the Williamsburg Arts District Association and hosted and coordinated by Colonial Folk Art.

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg has proudly served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community since 1976.

Their programs include, in addition to their Arts & Culture Program, of which Open Art Studio is a part, would be Recreational Therapy, Lifelong Learning Classes, Adapted Wellness, and recently, the addition of a Day Support Project.

Colonial Folk Art Studio & Gallery is located at 110 Bacon Ave. in the Williamsburg Arts District and provides on-demand art classes and the rental of open studio time. It also specializes in local functional and visual art.

For additional information on The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, visit

www.thearcgw.org, e-mail pam.mcgregor@thearcgw.org, or call 757-229-3535.