The BIC’s Art and Music on the Farm festival offers fine art and treasures from local artists, artisans, and traditional roots music played by celebrated musicians from across Virginia, all in an inviting, family-friendly setting. Whether you prefer to sip wine, peruse the eye-catching art, delve into the history of Virginia musical styles, watch your child have fun with an art activity, plan a fun summer garden, or eat some tasty food, you will find something to tickle your fancy. 

RECEPTION
Thursday, June 13 | 4PM – 6PM

In 2023, Southern Cultures, a quarterly journal based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, asked contributors to document the impacts of a changing climate on communities across the South.

The resulting special issue, Snapshot: Climate, features more than 60 photographs and accompanying short reflections from artists, activists, photojournalists, and scientists to provide a “snapshot” look at people’s lived experiences in this urgent moment.

Twenty-five photographs from Snapshot: Climate, including works made in Virginia, will be on view in this traveling exhibition. While on view in Machipongo, the Barrier Islands Center and the Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities invite Eastern Shore residents and visitors to submit their own photos and reflections about the climate impacts they’re facing in their own communities.

The Snapshot: Climate traveling exhibition is presented by Southern Cultures and supported by the Mellon Foundation and the Center for the Study of the American South. The Barrier Island Center exhibition and opening reception are supported by the Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities.

The BIC brought ten Eastern Shore carvers together for the first time for an event called “Meet the Carvers.” Guests admired carvings, asked questions, and swapped stories and tall tales with the carvers over hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine. This magical evening provided a rare opportunity to share in the collective wisdom of generations of carvers. Each biennial event has become even more meaningful as time marches on and we lose crucial links to the Eastern Shore past.

The Oyster Roast is an opportunity to celebrate the bounty and beauty of this region. Local oyster houses generously manage the roasting and steaming of oysters and clams. The silent auction also showcases a broad spectrum of local talent, thanks to the local artisans, artists, restaurants, entrepreneurs, and other businesses who generously donate their lovingly-produced items. The proceeds help keep our doors open with free admission to all.