Downtown Lynchburg partnership will beautify construction zones with “Art on the Fence”

Artists in Lynchburg have the opportunity to submit their artwork for a unique project called “Art on the Fence” to beautify areas of downtown under
construction. 

Ashley Kershner, executive director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association, said the association will adorn the construction fencing with the top five designs printed on vinyl. 

“This is a project that aims to bring beauty and positivity to the construction area in downtown Lynchburg,” Kershner said. “Public art creates community, and we hope this installation will be a draw to the area and will encourage more people to visit downtown.”

Downtown Lynchburg Association and Riverviews Artspace are collaborating to make this project possible so artists can share their work in public. Art on the Fence seeks to combine the art pieces submitted into a big piece of art to represent beauty and culture. This is the first time it has been done in Lynchburg.

“The construction project is (an) unprecedented 28 months in duration, and we knew we had to go above and beyond to keep up morale and visitation,” Kershner said. “Supporting local businesses is important to the continued health and growth of our downtown.”

Riverviews Artspace is a nonprofit arts organization that presents contemporary art exhibitions. Downtown Lynchburg Association is an organization that strives to create a strong and welcoming downtown Lynchburg while preserving its history. 

Proposal designs for Art on the Fence are due Oct. 30 and must include a digital artwork file, name of the artwork, year it was made, artist name, artist contact number and artist email. Chosen designs will be printed on 4-foot tall vinyl banners and hung on Main Street construction fencing from
Nov. 1 – Feb. 29.  

Kershner said she wants this downtown project to promote togetherness in Lynchburg.  

“I hope that everyone (viewing the artwork) involved will get warm fuzzies, frankly,” Kershner said. “But really, a sense of community, and that we are all in this together.”