Party at the Art Hive: Celebration marks two years of inclusion, arts, spirit of Staunton

Art Hive, Staunton’s creative reuse and arts center, will host a free, family-friendly celebration on Saturday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event marks Art Hive’s second anniversary and invites the public to enjoy a day of music, art, food and community-driven creativity.

“This event is a celebration of everything Art Hive stands for — community, creativity and connection. We hope to see familiar faces and meet new friends as we continue growing together,” Art Hive organizers said.

Musical acts will include the dynamic Hot Mamas trio Mallory, N- & Jen, performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the legendary Richmond punk band Beex, who will take the stage from 2 to 4 p.m.

Visitors can browse and shop unique handmade goods from a wide range of regional artists, including ceramics, fine art, handmade journals, comics, upcycled clothing, jewelry, pop art and jellybean babies.

Local food and drink vendors will be onsite, including Puerto Rican-inspired baked goods from Karamelo Krumble, savory sandwiches by Chef Aaron Gardner, gluten-free pastries from Crack o’ Dawn via Cat Nap, and nostalgic frozen treats from the Sweet Streets vintage-style ice cream truck.

Guests may enter a raffle sponsored by Art Hive’s in-house coffee roaster, Cat Nap Coffee. Shoppers who spend $20 or more at Cat Nap or the reuse shop will be entered to win an enormous burlap coffee bean bag, perfect for creative upcycling. The raffle drawing is scheduled for 4 p.m. and you need not be present to win.

As part of a community art fundraiser, attendees are invited to donate and paint an individual art panel that will become part of a larger mural installation in Art Hive’s patio garden. The fundraiser is for the immediate purchase of an accessibility ramp, and the creation of a mural that celebrates inclusion, the arts and the spirit of Staunton.

Whether you go for the makers, the bands, the refreshments or to paint your piece of the communal art wall, what is certain is that Art Hive’s birthday bash will be buzzing.

Art Hive is at 835 Spring Hill Rd., Staunton.