SHELBURNE FALLS – The Bridge of Flowers Committee will host the second annual Bridge of Flowers Art Show & Sale on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center on Main Street.

An opening reception will take place on Friday, August 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

According to Annette Szpila, chair of the Bridge of Flowers committee, the inaugural event in 2023 was “wonderfully well attended.” Organizers were “happily exhausted” at the end of the show, she said, after struggling to secure the artworks and create a high-quality exhibition for visitors.

This year’s event will feature more than 100 works – including paintings, drawings, photographs and textile art – by artists from the hills. Admission to the exhibition and reception is free, but all artwork on display is for sale, with 50 to 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Bridge of Flowers. The bridge is currently undergoing approximately $3 million in repairs before its gardens are replanted for the spring/summer 2025 season.

“Last year’s show was very well received by the community and we decided to make the Art Show & Sale an annual event,” said plein air painter and show co-organizer Ann Lofquist. “We will have pieces for sale in all price ranges, from emerging artists to established professionals.”

When the Bridge of Flowers closed in late June for repairs to begin, committee members were able to save many pieces of the bridge garden’s iconic wisteria, which will now be auctioned. This year’s event will also feature a silent auction.

Some artists return for a second time and others exhibit for the first time at the Bridge of Flowers Art Show & Sale.

Ashfield painter Nina Anderson Coler, who is back for a second time, said she enjoyed the first event “both as an artist and as a participant”.

“The quality of all the work was inspiring,” recalls Anderson Coler.

“What could be more fun than having a group of local artists and artisans come together and exhibit their work to benefit one of the city’s most beautiful beauties?” said pastel artist Carroll Durand. “It’s just a wonderful experience.”

Virginia Ray serves as secretary of the Bridge of Flowers Committee and directs public relations.