In the heart of Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® and Sherando High School’s art department are painting the town with hues of tradition and creativity. Their partnership has blossomed into the second annual Festival-inspired coloring book, a kaleidoscope of local culture, festivity, and artistic expression.
This year’s edition is more than a coloring book; it’s a centennial celebration woven into the fabric of the community. Featuring beloved Apple Blossom events, fresh additions, and an interactive centerfold, it commemorates the Festival’s 100th birthday with a splash of color.
Jillian Legge, the guiding light behind this project and SHS’s dedicated art teacher reflects on the journey, “This collaboration has evolved into a vibrant platform for our students to connect with the community, fostering a deeper involvement in the Festival. They’ve embraced this project wholeheartedly through their artwork, marketing, and sponsorship engagements. Witnessing their pride and ownership in this endeavor is truly inspiring.”
The pages of this coloring book are canvases for the student artists, soon to be showcased and sold at significant Festival events. The proceeds from last year’s sales turned dreams into reality—funding new art equipment and an enlightening trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This year, the aspirations soar higher, with plans to enrich the art department further and provide another immersive educational experience.
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has always prioritized engaging the next generation in celebrating local heritage. This collaboration opens new avenues for student support and cements the Festival’s role in nurturing local talent and creativity.
As this project unfurls its colors, it symbolizes a perfect synergy between tradition and innovation, community and education. It is a testament to what can be achieved when local institutions join forces for the greater good, proving that the Festival and the high school’s art department are indeed a match made in creative heaven.