Top 5 Experiences at Ix Art Park

Pronounced “icks”, this destination of wonder and imagination is a 10-minute walk from the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall with a mission to spark creativity and encourage everyone to explore their inner artist. Ran by the Ix Art Park Foundation, the park is more than just a collaborative space for artists. It empowers the community through free art-making, curated
cultural festivals, and arts education programming. They host several community-driven series supporting unserved youth and minority entrepreneurs. The park also serves as a Mobile Visitor Center location from mid-March through December.

Get your creative juices flowing with these top 5 experiences that will be sure to leave you feeling inspired.

1. The Looking Glass

No visit to Ix Art Park is complete without heading into The Looking Glass. Virginia’s first and permanent immersive art space welcomes visitors to look, listen, and feel their way through a variety of artistic mediums.

The Looking Glass is perfect for families or visitors looking to grab that Instagram-worthy photo with over 6,000 square feet to explore. This ticketed exhibition features artwork throughout the space curated with installations from over 13 local artists. Wander through Kathryn Wingate’s Mad Traveler’s Treehouse, a larger-than-life interactive enchanted forest and a kaleidoscopic cave! Get lost in Bernie McCabe’s solvable, blacklight maze mural or follow the advice of artist, Beatrix Ost, who invites guests to “open the door to your curiosity cabinet.”

2. Arts From Underground

Every Thursday, Ix Art Park welcomes the community to Arts From Underground in the Dripstone Cave. Perfect for a date night or a night out with friends, indulge in a free evening of artistic endeavors and hands-on entertainment. Take the stage and belt your heart out during karaoke. Get your hands messy and create a masterpiece of your own. Or just sit back and
savor a craft cocktail and see where your imagination takes you.

3. Farmers Market

Visit the Farmers Market every Saturday- year round (even during winter.) Support local entrepreneurs and shop with over 60 vendors offering seasonal produce, coveted bakery treats, hand-picked flowers, herbal soaps and cosmetics, locally roasted coffee, farm-raised meats and cheeses, locally crafted jewelry, and an eclectic array of artisan crafts. While exploring the vast
selection of vendors, you’ll be able to catch a quick bite ranging from barbecue to tacos and even crab cakes! Find yourself a spot at one of their picnic tables in the Outside Art Room - an area with free art-making for kids and adults. With the backdrop of the mural park, children’s garden, and artist creation, the market is a lively destination every Saturday.

4. Murals and Sculptures

With 15,000 square feet of outdoor space, every inch of this community art park is covered in art, murals, mosaics, and sculptures. In 2022 alone, almost 300,000 visitors explored the outdoor piazza’s visually captivating space and watched it come to life more fully during many community events held throughout the year. It is the perfect place to sit and eat while
enjoying the weather and the beautiful sights.

5. Special Events

However you choose to explore, there is always something going on at Ix Art Park. The park is host to a wide array of large and small events throughout the year spanning many genres including music, dance, film, theater, crafts, and visual art, as well as family-friendly events, events promoting diversity and inclusion, and one-of-a-kind immersive experiences like costumed themed nights and dance parties. During the warmer months, you’ll find free outdoor activities like opera and movies in the park.

Other events include their signature festivals The Charlottesville Arts Festival — a celebration of creativity, diversity, and community featuring dozens of local musicians, performers, and artists of all talents; Fae Festival - a cityscape renaissance fair; and Soul of Cville — a celebration of Black excellence showcasing culture, music, dance, fashion, food, and more.

Illuminate your mind and awaken your inner artist with a visit to Ix Art Park today. For more information visit www.ixartpark.org.

*This blog post is sponsored by Ix Art Park.