If you were driving on Highway 144 Nov. 4 and saw a large number of tents, art work and people milling around, you witnessed the 2017 Arts on the Coast Fall Art Show. If you didn’t stop you missed a good time, talented people and good cheer.

The Fall Art Show has been held annually for more than a decade. AOC holds this show at various locations around town, drawing attention to and promoting Richmond Hill’s businesses and local artists. The Richmond Hill Historical Society and Museum is a great venue – lots of space, visibility from 144 and the chance to experience Richmond Hill’s history while meeting our local artists.

People stopped to admire the art work, visit the museum and listen to music provided by Low Country Radio during the day. Savannah musician Adam Nye did a great job singing live from the porch of the museum in the early evening. Papa’s Pizza, a local business, provided us with something for everyone to nibble on.

It was a perfect combination of visual art, history, music and culinary.

Each artist participating in the show was asked to pick one piece of their work to be judged by the general public for the 2017 People’s Choice Award. More than 100 votes were tallied. The winner received a $35 gift certificate to Dick Blick Art Supply in Savannah, and Patricia Mathews won for her "White Egret on Blue," a beautiful piece, rendered in oil on wood.

We want to thank the community for its participation and continued support of Arts on the Coast. Without our sponsors, Richmond Hill Museum, Low Country Radio Station and Papa’s Pizza, the AOC Fall Show would not have been as successful as it was.

No event would be possible without the talent and fortitude of our artists, who were willing to work 12 hours straight to set up the show, meet and greet our visitors, listen to a little music and then take everything down after the sun had set.

If you drove by Sunday morning, there was not a sign the show had even happened.

It’s like magic!

Volker is president of Arts on the Coast.