Live Art Auction Captures the Spirit of Harmar Days
(Photos of painters by Michelle Waters)
During Saturday of Harmar Days Festival, a burst of creativity took center stage in the Artists Alley, where local artists painted live in celebration of Harmar Village’s historic charm. Coordinated in partnership with local artist Greta Guimond, the Artists Alley created a dynamic space for visitors to experience art in action - and now those original works of art are available for a good cause.
The live art created during the festival is now up for silent auction through Saturday, August 2nd, at 7:00 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the revitalization and reopening of the Historic Harmar Bridge. The auction is hosted online and features original pieces inspired by the architecture, landscapes, and stories of the Harmar district.
Participating artists include Andy Hall, Ben Gutberlet, Beth Nash, Cynthia Davis, Emma Romanowski, Gianna Schmidt, Kate McCarthy, Malin Fredriksen, Morgan Otto, Terry Powers, Greta Guimond, and Tracy Love. A photo printed on canvas, generously donated by local photographer Brian Stover, is also part of the auction lineup.
The diversity of artistic interpretation is part of what makes this collection so special. While some artists focused on vignettes of the neighborhood and views of the Harmar Bridge, others took a different approach, inspired by historic figures or similar settings. The live painting process allowed festivalgoers to witness each piece evolve throughout the day.
In addition to the live painting, local artists did live demos of various techniques, including woodblock carving, spinning, stained glass, pottery, and more. Artists from the Parkersburg Art Center created chalk art within Artists Alley, too.
“Every single artist painting or doing demos was a rockstar. That says so much about our community of creators!”
“I am so grateful to every one of my artist friends who showed up to show off their incredible talent for this great cause!” said Greta Guimond. “The painting conditions were brutal with the heat. Every single artist painting or doing demos was a rockstar. That says so much about our community of creators!”
The Harmar Bridge, a beloved local landmark, has been closed to pedestrian traffic since 2020 due to safety concerns. Efforts to restore and reopen the bridge have gained momentum in recent years, led by the Historic Harmar Bridge Company, a charitable nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing this iconic piece of local infrastructure.
“A great group of artists gathered together and donated their talent and time to help save the Harmar Bridge!”
The live art auction serves both as a fundraiser and a celebration of community connection. It merges art, local heritage, and philanthropy, offering bidders the opportunity to support a cause while taking home a piece of Harmar’s story.
(Tracy Love working on her piece, by Michelle Waters)
“It's always wonderful seeing the community come together and support each other. I love being around people who care about where they live!” said Tracy Love. “A great group of artists gathered together and donated their talent and time to help save the Harmar Bridge and also enjoy a fun festival! I was definitely honored to be a part of this.”
All bidding takes place online, allowing supporters near and far to participate. With 100% of the funds going directly toward the bridge project, each bid is a step toward reconnecting Marietta’s west side to downtown via the historic span.
As the paintings find their new homes, the energy of Harmar Days lives on—on canvas, in community, and through a shared commitment to preserving the past while building a vibrant future.
Help #SaveHarmarBridge by making a donation or bidding on a piece of art today!
Click the image to go directly to the bidding page for that piece! Photos by Greta Guimond
