The Steppin’ Out Festival Committee received more than 30 submissions for 2024 T-shirt designs and ultimately selected a design that pays homage to Appalachia while representing Blacksburg’s popular summer festival. did.
Winning artist Claire Lambert was born in Salem and currently lives in Bassett, according to a news release from Downtown Blacksburg. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia, where she specializes in painting pet portraits.
The traditional Steppin’ Out shirts will be available at Fringe Benefit, New River Art & Fiber, Atlantic Union Bank North Main Location and Blacksburg Hardware stores downtown, according to a release. It will go on sale in late May, and will be available for purchase at the festival information booth in August. .
Lambert says of her design: “When we reviewed previous design winners, many featured animals and musical instruments. When creating our designs, we wanted to incorporate things that are important to the region. I chose possums and banjos, along with the downtown burg scene. Possums are one of my favorite native animals, and bluegrass is important to Southwest Virginia’s heritage.”
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The 43rd annual Steppin’ Out Festival will be held August 2nd and 3rd in downtown Blacksburg. The two-day festival brings together more than 250 artists and crafters from across the United States to sell unique handcrafted items. Sidewalk sales and festival food provided by downtown merchants. and three stages of live entertainment.
For more information or to become a sponsor or volunteer, visit the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. website at blacksburgsteppinout.com.