Winning SailFest 2025 artwork to be unveiled at Cape Charles Gallery Event tonight

CAPE CHARLES, VA — As Virginia prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026, the Commonwealth is planning celebrations across the state, including SailFest 2025—an upcoming maritime-themed festival in Cape Charles that promises to be a centerpiece of the festivities.

In anticipation of the event, the Cape Charles Town Council and SailFest organizing committee launched a statewide call for artists earlier this year, inviting submissions of original artwork that capture the spirit of the Eastern Shore and the iconic tall ships expected to arrive in the harbor during the festival.

Now, a winner has been chosen.

An Eastern Shore resident from Onancock has been selected as the artist behind the winning entry. The piece will serve as a central visual theme for SailFest 2025 and will appear on festival memorabilia and promotional materials.

The official unveiling of the winning artwork—and the announcement of the artist’s identity—will take place this Thursday, June 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lemon Tree Gallery in Cape Charles. The event will be attended by members of the Cape Charles Town Council, SailFest organizers, and several contributing artists.

The evening promises to be a celebration not only of local talent but also of the community’s growing anticipation for SailFest 2025 and the state’s historic semiquincentennial commemoration.