Annual Art Show canceled in wake of Blossom Fest announcement

A May 18, 2019, Banner-News file photo shows a display of the 69th Annual Art Show at Magnolia Arts.
A May 18, 2019, Banner-News file photo shows a display of the 69th Annual Art Show at Magnolia Arts.

With the announcement Thursday that the 2020 Magnolia Blossom Festival had been canceled, the Magnolia Arts Board of Directors later that day officially called off the 70th Annual Art Show. The local nonprofit that hosts the show has also postponed its summer musical production of “Into the Woods” until summer 2021.

The Art Show is closely associated with the Blossom Festival. The downtown event was partially formed around the Sidewalk Art Show, having preceded the festival by more than 40 years. The Sidewalk Show was held since 1951 as a local art display in May on the Columbia County Courthouse lawn. The event has since been moved into and organized by Magnolia Arts, which is headquartered at 160 S. Jefferson in Magnolia.

“We would like to thank you for your support,” said a statement from Janet Rider-Babbitt, executive director of Magnolia Arts, and Katherine Caldwell, assistant director of the nonprofit. “We cannot wait to see you again.”

Magnolia Arts will remain closed at least until May 30. The organization’s Board after that will decide when and how to proceed with events going forward, according to the statement.

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