MOCA’S Boardwalk Art Show Celebrates 60th Anniversary

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - June 3, 2015 - PRLog -- (VIRGINIA BEACH, VA)  June 1, 2015 — The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is pleased to announce the 60^th anniversary of the Boardwalk Art Show presented by PNC Bank, June 18-21, 2015, recently ranked as one of the top 15 summer festivals not to miss by Virginia is for Lovers (http://www.virginia.org/summerfestivals/), the official tourism website for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sixty years ago, the Boardwalk Art Show started a Virginia Beach summer tradition and founded an arts organization which evolved into what is now the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). MOCA produces this four day festival that serves as the museum’s largest fundraiser, helping to fulfill their mission in providing thought-provoking art exhibitions and children’s art education programs.

What began as a group of local artists who organized themselves to raise money for another artist who suffered a debilitating stroke is now one of the largest summer economic drivers for the City of Virginia Beach. Over 250,000 people are expected to attend generating over 117 million in potential revenue.

This Father’s Day weekend tradition is not only Virginia Beach’s oldest annual event, it is also the longest running outdoor fine art show on the eastern seaboard, consistently ranked in Sunshine Artists Magazine’s Top 40 fine art shows from thousands nationwide.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to be part of the 60^th anniversary of this show,” says Christie Kelly, MOCA’s Boardwalk Art Show director. “The number of applicants has grown from 100 to over 800 national and international artists. “Best in Show” prize was $25 when the show began in 1956 to a prize fund totaling $25,000.” Christie goes on to say, “Beyond the growth, we are humbled by its history of local artists who rooted MOCA as an organization. We feel a deep sense of community when producing this event (which takes over 300 volunteers) and we greatly look forward to celebrating this banner year on the boardwalk everyone.”

Catch31 and Gold Key/PHR will recognize this milestone by hosting a free Boardwalk Art Show 60th anniversary kick-off party, Thursday June 18^th at 31st Street Park with live music by Vertical Horizon at 7pm.

The Boardwalk Art Show runs June 18-21, 2015 along the Virginia Beach boardwalk from 19th to 33rd Street and boasts 280 diverse artists, 25% which are new to the show. Gourmet food (mostly from local restaurants) and concessions will be available throughout the show.

24^th Street Park will house the Virginia is for Lovers LOVE artwork as well as the Back Bay Brewing Beer Garden (open 3pm Friday-Sunday), free concerts (Friday-Sunday *see schedule below) and MOCA’s popular FREE Family Fest on Saturday, June 20^th from 10am-2pm. Special guests The Scrap Exchange, along with other community partners, will join MOCA’s exhibitions and education team for a day of hands-on art-making, music, and free family fun.

The jewel of the show is the Boardwalk Beach Club, an 80-foot tented space along the boardwalk (near 31^st Street Park) offering valet parking, open bar and  lunch service provided by Steinhilber's in a shaded space with comfortable seating, private bathrooms, and beautiful views of the ocean. Boardwalk Beach Club tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Beach Club during the show.

Please visit http://www.BoardwalkArtShow.com for more details.

Boardwalk Art Show hours areThursday, June 18th noon-6pm, Friday, June 19^th-Sunday, June 21st 10am-6pm.

About PNC Bank: PNC Bank entered the Hampton Roads region in 2012 when it acquired the retail operations of RBC Centura Bank. One of the top regional banks in the country, PNC operates in 19 states and Washington, D.C.

For decades, PNC has been a leading supporter of cultural initiatives and arts organizations, as the corporation has a strong belief that the arts are vital to the social and economic fabric of all communities in that they attract new businesses, create new employment opportunities and stimulate the growth in tourism. That philosophy is evident in PNC’s presenting sponsorship of MOCA’s 60^th annual Boardwalk Art Show.

About MOCA: The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Virginia Beach, is a non-profit which exists to foster awareness, exploration and understanding of the significant art of our time. MOCA is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). As Virginia's only museum dedicated solely to the exhibition of contemporary art, MOCA encourages visitors to discover and explore art and to engage in hands-on art experiences.

MOCA is located at 2200 Parks Avenue at the entrance of I-264 in Virginia Beach. The Museum is open Tuesday 10am-9pm.; Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm.; Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission is $7.70 for adults; $5.50 for seniors/65+, students (includes children 5 and up) and **military. MOCA members and children 4 and under are admitted free of charge. 757-425-0000.

*Free Concert Schedule at 24^th Street Park

Friday, June 19
Live music: Dahna Rowe 3-6pm | Borderline Crazy 7:30-10:30pm

Saturday, June 20
Live music: Brandon Bower Band 3-6pm | The Deloreans 7:30-10:30pm

Sunday, June 21
Live music: Mike Proffitt 2-5pm

**All military and their families receive free admission to MOCA from Memorial Day through Labor Day courtesy of the national Blue Star Museum program.