The 14^th Annual &rsquo\;Virtu&rsquo\; Outdoor Arts Festival \;will take place in beautiful Wilcox Park in downtown Westerly\, and will feature the fine selected works of 180 professional artists and crafts persons. \; Virtu will be held rain or shine and admission is free. \; Virtu will be a showcase for both the visual arts and performing arts. \; Event hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

&rsquo\;Virtu&rsquo\; defined - According to the Oxford Dictionary\, Virtu means "\;a love of fine arts."\; \; The talents and imaginations of artisans will combine to create the magic that is the Virtu Art Festival.

Entertainment Schedule - \; Sergei Novikov\, a classical pianist\, will perform both days 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by the fountain. \; Yarina will perform 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. \; This group performs traditional South American music from Ecuador. \; Their lively renditions of traditional Taca melodies\, as well as original music\, appeal to all ages. \; \;Christian Peterson\, a bagpiper\, will perform Sunday from 11:30 a.m. &ndash\; 12:30 p.m. \; Kim Oakes of Warwick\, with special guest will perform oldies by singers such as Patsy Cline\, Loretta Lynne and Manny Wells from 11am-12 on Saturday. Northeast Karate will host a demonstration on Saturday from 1:00-2:00 near the gazebo. \; Noted vocalist Michelet Innocent will perform love songs in French\, English and Spanish on Saturday and Sunday\, 10am-5pm by the pond.

Creation Station &ndash\; Geraldine Cunningham and Associates is sponsoring all activities at Virtu&rsquo\;s Creation Station tent. \; This area is a major attraction for children and their families. \; It will provide opportunities for children to explore their creative energies through hands-on participation in numerous activities. \; All activities in this area are free.

For the youngest of our event goers\, there&rsquo\;s face painting and there will be 100 large pieces of sidewalk chalk so the children may participate in transforming the park walkways into beautiful designs of colors and shapes.

Free Event Parking - Several lots in town are designated as free public parking during the event weekend. \; They include The Washington Trust Company garage on Main Street\, the Westerly Sun parking lots on Main Street and on Commerce Street\, the Westerly High School lot on Park Avenue\, and the lot next to the Westerly Post Office on High Street.

Food and Beverages - An extensive menu will be provided by Nutmeg Concessions\, located on the esplanade next to the library.

Volunteers - Are needed for a variety of tasks including artist set-up Friday\, May 28\, from 12:00-4:00 p.m.\, Saturday\, May 29\, from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.\, and breakdown Sunday\, May 30\, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.\, and to provide breaks to the artists\, face painting\, managing the Creation Station and more. \; If you are interested in helping out\, please call 401-596-7761.

Sponsors - Virtu is produced by The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and brought to the public in part by the following:

Golden Palette Sponsors: The Day\, The Westerly Sun\, Rescom Exteriors\, 95.9 WCRI\, WBLQ\, The Westerly Memorial and Public Library Association\, Liberty Rentals and Westerly Land Trust.

Silver Palette Sponsors: \; The Washington Trust Company\, Cherenzia &\; Associates

Bronze Palette Sponsors: \; E-Z Waste Systems\, Inc.\, Seven Eleven

Arts Partners: Zoe &\; Co\, In Designs

Sidewalk Sales will be held on Saturday and Sunday throughout the downtown Westerly area.