Signature Artist Chosen for Via Colori

Local artist Carol Iglesias has always loved painting with color, a fact that is clear from her work with pastels. At Fredericksburg’s Via Colori Festival in September, Iglesias will show off her work in a big way. As this year’s signature artist at the Festival, Iglesias will re-create one of her pieces on the street in a 8-foot-by-10-foot frame. 

Iglesias participated in last year’s festival and found that her work with soft pastels transferred easily to painting in the street with chalk. 

“Via Colori was at first something I didn’t think I could do,” Iglesias says, “but I went to the workshops and learned the process, and realized it was another form of pastel work, just in a larger scale.” 

This year, Iglesias chose a piece she completed from her artist residency in France. With old buildings, water and reflections, all of her favorite aspects of her work come together in this one piece. 

“My painting is very European,” she says. “It is also very colorful, I just see a lot of color in anything I look at.” 

Iglesias is looking forward to performing for the public. Over the two-day span of the Festival, Iglesias and other artists will be able to interact with visitors. 

“It’s very rewarding to get feedback from the public, and it’s sometimes surprising to see what people observe when they watch you work,” she says. 

Working away from the studio in a stimulating environment is a great way for the artist to grow. 

“In the outside environment, the public is able to see the process of creating art,” she says. “They gain an appreciation for what it takes for an artist to create. They really get to see all the work that goes into a piece,” she says. 

Although the art created in the Festival is temporary, the real masterpiece is watching the process of creation.

“I hope other artists will think about giving it a try,” Iglesias says. “It’s a way to stretch yourself as an artist and it’s a good challenge, and with all the feedback it’s very rewarding.” 

Iglesias is very excited to put her style on the street again this year. She also hopes to learn more techniques from this year’s expert artist, Michael Kirby. With his skill in 3D pieces, Iglesias is looking forward to attempting 3D work in the future. 

is this Wednesday, July 25 at Celebrate Virginia, beginning at 6 p.m. Michael Kirby will be teaching the workshop, providing advice for all interested artists. The Via Colori Festival will be September 21-23 at Riverfront Park downtown.