They are preparing to unfurl their canvases and display their crafts at Art on Fishing Bay the evening of June 8, 5:30-9:00 PM, at the Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville. Artists from far and wide, local and regional, will again participate in one of the most popular Leukemia Cup events supporting victims with blood cancers. And this being the 9th year of Southern Chesapeake Leukemia Cup Regatta, the crowds are expected to exceed last year’s record setting attendance.

A total of 26 artists will exhibit their creations for purchase or perusal. Each will donate one item to the Leukemia Cup Auction to be held later this summer at the Stingray Harbor Marina.

See all the picturesBev Hardin, a second-year exhibitor and Middlesex Country native, has always had a passion for jewelry. Several years ago, she and her daughter Molley started making jewelry for fun. Now it’s a serious avocation. Using gemstones, glass beads and sterling silver her unique designs offer something for everyone.

And she applauds this eagerly anticipated event. "Last year was a lot of fun. The location is beautiful and you are surrounded by wonderful art work and live music. It is a great combination and the donations are going to a good cause- the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am really looking forward to the event."

Laura Heyward, another second-year exhibitor from Richmond, is also looking forward to the event. Trained as an art teacher, she has taught elementary school children for years and is now teaching art history and art appreciation at Virginia Union University.

However she has always enjoyed drawing and aspired to be a painter. She adds, “Both my husband and I have come from sailing backgrounds. My husband, in particular, loves the beautiful lines in boats so two years ago I started doing lithographs and some oil paintings of boats. Last year I started a series of wild flowers in Deltaville which are done in pen and colored inks. Both the boats and flowers will be in the show at Fishing Bay, as well as some more whimsical subjects in other mediums.”

First time exhibitor Stella Jones and her family have been keeping a boat at Fishing Bay Yacht Club since the 1970s and regularly drive from North Carolina to enjoy life on the Bay.

Stella has had a life-long love of art. A native of Richmond, she grew up in North Carolina and studied at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC. She recently returned to painting and is having fun exploring the versatility of watercolor. She loves using a colorful palette to capture the vibrancy of nature and the vitality of children.

The Leukemia Cup activities have a special significance for Stella. She says, "Having recently lost a close friend to leukemia, raising money for research into this disease takes on a new meaning. So many people work hard to make this joint fund-raising effort a success that I am looking forward to participating in a small way by exhibiting at Art on Fishing Bay."

And there’s more than just art at Art of Fishing Bay. Refreshments will be available, and music provided by the “Swinging Strings” trio and the “Strings & Things” quartet will round out the festive evening. The public is invited. Admission is a donation benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and a hors d’oeuvre to share with your fellow art patrons. For more information, go to www.fbyc.net or contact Bob Kates at 804.776.6950 or email fma@oonl.com.