Avant Garden at An Occasion for the Arts

The Muscarelle Museum and An Occasion for the Arts present the Avant Garden, a youth centered space celebrating creativity during the 2026 festival taking place October 3-4. Located in the historic Wren Garden on William & Mary Campus, the Avant Garden offers an exhibition of local K-12 student art; Art Labs drop in art making workshops with local art educators; a chalk art competition with cash prizes led by Director of Engagement Steve Prince; performances by local dance, theatre and music students; and an interactive community mural with professional artist Adjoa Burrowes.

Art Lab Schedule
10 AM – 1 PM
Collage: A Story Through Photos with Aeysa Nixon-Bright
Quilling Fun! With Lana Lechkina
Scribble and See with Lynette Hulse

2 PM – 5 PM
Making Star Books with Reni Gower
The Art of Paper: Exploring Creativity Through Origami with Lien Day
Mali Mud Cloth from Recycled Bags with Robert Oppecker

Youth Stage Schedule
11am Daniel Scruggs International interactive drumming
12pm William the Conjurer – Magician
1pm Dog Street Youth Band (Some kids also perform in What the Heck jazz band
2pm Daniel Scruggs- International interactive drumming
3pm School of Arts and Innovation- Students performing Broadway tunes