Celebrating 20 years of supporting artists in Rappahannock County
RAAC’s Fall Art Tour turns 20
By Heather Wicke
Now in its 20th year, the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC) Fall Art Tour has become an established annual tradition, exemplifying the unique artistic and community-driven character of the county.
Many residents and visitors from near and far eagerly await the annual tour to enjoy the rare opportunity to visit artists’ studios, as well as the many fine village galleries and the hospitality of businesses in scenic Rappahannock.
As chronicled in Betsy Hille’s RAAC 40th Anniversary Retrospective, the tour’s beginning is a story of bold, creative ideas embraced by volunteers eager to work together to enrich and connect the community through diverse artistic expression.
Tour Beginnings
The idea of an artists’ studio tour was conceived by local artist Robin Purnell after seeing a visitor’s enthusiastic response to viewing several studios. Under the leadership of RAAC board chair Claudia Mitchell, Linda Dietel, Lois Manookian and other RAAC board members, the concept became reality in 2005. That first year, the Washington Fire Hall served as the venue for the Main Gallery with 11 studios and nine galleries participating. Local studio artist Nancy Keyser and gallery owners Robert Ballard and Andrew Haley were among the original participants and continue to participate today.
The tour proved to be a grand idea. With an abundance of creative artistic talent and dedicated volunteer efforts, 1,000 guests attended that first year. Success ensured that it would become an annual event.
Longtme county artist Jeanne Drevas in her studio, which was a stop on the first art tour in 2005
The Fall Art Tour’s debut was front page news in the Rappahannock News
Changing Times
As returning and new visitor numbers increased, the need for a larger venue became apparent. In 2015, the event moved to The Washington School. A professional art display system was designed by Robert Ballard for the spacious building to accommodate the increasing number of participating artists. The large display areas allowed student artists and teachers to become integral participants in the Main Gallery.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, RAAC pivoted and launched a Virtual Art Exhibition series with Meet the Artists opening events, which proved to be very popular with artists and viewers alike. This success led, in turn, to the Rappahannock Artists Expo 2020, the virtual alternative to the traditional tour.
In 2023, the Main Gallery and customary tour event made a joyful and exciting return, allowing visitors to once again experience the art and connect with the artists in person. One change made during the COVID-19 years was kept: The $10 admission fee at the Main Gallery was waived. Maps to studios and galleries were made available online in advance. These changes gave guests more flexibility and time to view the art.
The Washington School was also the site of the storied opening night celebration, which many regarded as the most fun community party of the year. The final event was held in 2019 with an appreciative crowd of more than 200. Now with a crowd that exceeds the capacity of The Washington School and other local venues, the event remains a fond memory. Truly, a victim of its own success. Opening night today is an artists-only Friday night reception to give artists the opportunity to visit and look at the art displayed before their demanding weekend begins.
Tour Reception at The Washington School
The abundance and diversity of artists in the county distinguishes the annual tour from other arts events, regionally and nationally. In addition to the attraction of the county’s natural beauty, the community support for the artists’ endeavors is a strong draw. There are more open studios than can be casually visited over a weekend, and new artists join the tour each year. Note: This year’s three new artists will be profiled in an upcoming news article.
What Won’t Change
What attracts so many return visitors to the tour each year? Every visit offers fresh, diverse art, scenic drives through pastoral landscapes and engaging conversations with artists. Guests can always count on rewarding and memorable experiences.
At its core, the Fall Art Tour owes its lasting success to the generosity of artists and gallery owners, the tireless efforts of volunteers, and the strong community bonds forged through a shared appreciation of art.
The program for the second fall art tour in 2006
This article was originally published in the Rappahannock News on October 6, 2025.
The writer is a board member of the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community.