This week marks the beginning of the ninth annual Four Seasons of Oatlands art show, which brings together artists from around the county and the region to celebrate the history of Oatlands.
"The show is becoming more known and the quality of the art is very good," Cindy Bridgman, director of development for the historic house, said.
This year’s theme is the same as it has been for the past several years, Bridgman said. The show features art that depicts images of Oatlands, the surrounding Mosby Heritage Area and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which stretches from Gettysburg to Monticello.
"The history of the area is very important," Bridgman said. "I think the artists really got into the theme."
FROM OIL PAINTINGS and watercolors to photographs and some sculpture, this year’s show features around 250 piece from 91 different artists and for the first year, the show put 35 pieces on reserve to be put on display as the show goes on.
"There were just so many wonderful pieces this year," Bridgman said.
Gale Waldron, who has been a juror for the show since it began, said she and photographer Jeanette Burkle chose the pieces from photographs sent in by the artists.
"It can be very hard to judge what a piece really looks like from a photo," she said. "We have to make a leap of faith."
Waldron said she is familiar with a lot of the artists, which makes the selection process easier.
"Photography is something that is growing," she said. "So when I select jurors to help me, I look for people who are highly qualified. I asked Jeanette to help because she is a professional photographer."
WHILE EACH piece included in the show is available for sale, a portion of the sales goes directly towards Oatlands.
"It is very generous of the artists to donate 25 percent of their sales to us," Bridgman said.
In return for their donations, all of the artists included in the show are allowed to come to Oatlands and work on their art for free.
"I think we reach out very well to the fine arts community and artists in the region," Bridgman said.
Sterling-based oil painter Ann Noel, who submitted two landscapes to this year’s show, said being able to help the historic landmark is important to her.
"We can show our art and we are also doing something to help support the area’s history," she said.
One of Noel’s pieces is of the Oatlands barn, which burned down last year.
"I am really glad I started working on it before it burned because now the silo is the only thing left standing I think," she said. "They have so many beautiful landscapes, houses and scenes. I love painting at Oatlands."
IT IS THE professional atmosphere and Oatlands itself that keeps many artists coming back year after year.
"We have quite a few new artists, which is great, but about 80 percent of this year’s artists are returning," Bridgman said.
Noel, who has a studio in Leesburg, said Oatlands is a great space for showcasing her work, which makes the show something she looks forward to every year.
"We’re always looking for nice venues," she said. "It’s a great opportunity for an artist."
Waldron said she has been impressed with how the quality of work has increased with every year that passes.
"I think with a jurored show, when someone doesn’t get in, they work to get better for the next year," she said. "That means the quality improves."