Aloha Artists!
Greetings from Virginia Beach! Thank you for your interest in applying to the Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo!
This is a very unique event produced by an avid surf art enthusiast! Since 2008, it has been my passion to create an art show that is different from other shows.
For the new artists who have not done this show before, here’s some background history of the event:
The VB Surf Art Expo takes place on Memorial Day Weekend at the largest resort city on the east coast. The City of Virginia Beach prides itself on Memorial Day Weekend as the Official start of the Summer Season. On this weekend, the Oceanfront comes alive with its sparkling beaches, busy boardwalk, outdoor cafes, award winning restaurants, fashionable boutiques, popular nightlife, and family entertainment. This is why we chose this weekend to have the VB Surf Art Expo. Tourists vacationing in Virginia Beach for the holiday weekend are pleasantly surprised when they approach the show on the boardwalk and see the beautiful surf art and become happy buyers. There is also a strong attendance of Virginia Beach locals that live in the surrounding neighborhoods who embrace the beach lifestyle and support this event every year. The locals have supported this event from the beginning! We feel this is a target potential customer for you, as the locals are beach and surfing enthusiasts. They fill their homes, patios, porches, and decks with surf art. The tourists are so impressed with this showcase of surf art, and want a memory of their vacation to take home an artifact. Numerous artists are delighted with commission work they have received by participating at this show. We have an extremely high rate of returning artists each year – so we must be doing something right!
If you create art from any medium that has a connection with surfing, the ocean, sea life, water life, beach scenes, shells, reefs, seascapes, dolphins, fish, nautical, and the like, feel free to apply. We hope that the VB Surf Art Expo will be something special for you every year, and different from any other art show you do. We are proud of the following we have and how the uniqueness of this show is something artists love to be a part of. Imagine your tent on the boardwalk, with locals and tourists walking by, the smell of salt water in the air, and the Atlantic Ocean right behind you! And a surfing event happening at the same time at the largest resort city on the East Coast! Come join us Memorial Day Weekend at the beach!
Mahalo,
Jodie Woodward
Founder and Show Director
Reviews From Our Artists
Matt Haddaway
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo for many years, and it has become one of my favorite art shows. The location – right on the Virginia Beach boardwalk can’t be beat! It’s such a great time showing and selling my artwork, meeting new fans of my work and hanging out with my fellow artists. If you have an affinity for sand and surf, this is your show!
Rick Ricketts
Being part of The Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo is a solid experience from start to finish. As an exhibiting artist, The Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo was both creatively and professionally rewarding. Communication from Jodie was clear and the overall atmosphere made it easy to connect with people. The organization was thoughtful, the audience was enthusiastic, and I was grateful to see strong interest in my work that translated into sales. I’d happily participate again.
Jenn Gold
We’ve exhibited at the VB Surf Art Expo the past two years with Her Surf Shack, and it’s consistently one of the best art show events we do. The organization, turnout, and concentration of surf-inspired artists make it an amazing place to sell my work. Jodie and her team are supportive, professional, and truly want artists to thrive! We’ll apply every year without hesitation.
Ed Obermeyer
The VB Surf Art Expo is one of my favorite shows because it truly encapsulates the essence of surfing’s core essentials. People of all ages who love the water and the ocean life that surrounds us spend a long and beautiful holiday weekend on the beach at the jetty to celebrate this lifestyle we have chosen and are thankful for. I am honored to be part of another historical chapter in surfing’s history in Virginia Beach vis the VB Surf Art Expo!
Stefanie Foley
Love the VB Surf Art Expo! I’ve been selling my artwork each Memorial Day weekend since 2017, on the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This amazing event attracts the attention and attendance of people all over the world! I have met and interacted with customers from India, Japan, and throughout United States. This is by far one of my favorite events to participate in as both an artist and consumer! Organizer Jodie Woodward does an amazing job each year with coordination of vendors, set up and breakdown timeframes, and countless other behind the scenes planning, ensuring a smooth event year after year! Her consistent helpfulness and communication skills are top notch!
Sara Kohart
The Surf Art Expo is well-organized, well-attended and has great vibes – it’s a show I look forward to attending every year to kick off my summer. A chance to connect with locals and tourists alike, there’s always good energy on the boardwalk Memorial Day Weekend! I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the organizing team, my fellow vendors, and the attending crowd!
Reba McConnell, Reba Arts
The VB Surf Art Expo is a show you don’t want to miss! As an artist it’s one of my favorite shows year after year. It’s highly organized and professional. As a shopper, you can’t go wrong! Amazing surf art for your home, for your life, for your vibe!