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Fine art fills Wilcox Park for two days
Juried outdoor art festival in Westerly with paintings, photography, sculpture, and more. Shop the booths, watch demos, and explore nearby shoreline.
Event details
The Virtu Art Festival brings fine art to Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island, turning the arboretum into an open-air gallery for Memorial Day weekend. You can follow the Victorian strollway and browse work from a juried roster of more than 160 artists, with categories spanning oil painting, hand-blown glass, sculpture, and fine jewelry. It is an easy escape from the holiday beach crush, while keeping you minutes from the Atlantic.
Plan to spend time watching artists at work. Live demonstrations are spread across the grounds, from potter’s wheel sessions to detailed metalworking, so you see process as well as finished pieces. If you are visiting with kids, head toward the granite fountain for family activities and hands-on art projects.
For the best selection, arrive early Saturday, popular booths can sell out by midday. Admission is free, bring cash for food trucks and smaller purchases. Street parking downtown fills fast, use municipal lots near the train station or take a rideshare, and wear comfortable shoes for gravel and grass paths. Pack a light jacket plus high-SPF sunscreen since coastal conditions can shift quickly.
The festival runs rain or shine, and in heavier showers artists may cover their booths while the park stays open, so check the forecast and time your visit for the clearest window. For lodging, you can stay in Watch Hill or Misquamicut for quick beach access, or choose boutique options in downtown Westerly. For longer stays, consider seasonal rentals and waterfront homes through Lake.com near the Pawcatuck River or the regional salt ponds.
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