A fun weekend of live music, original art, fine crafts and special events will be sponsored by the Washington-Wilkes Arts Foundation Friday through Sunday, April 28-30 on or near The Square in Washington.

The annual three-day Washington Wilkes Festival of Music and Art will offer listening and dancing to all types of music - from jazz to country, from blues to chamber music, and from strings to gospel - performed by top musicians in their fields.

In addition to the music festival, visitors can enjoy unique shops and boutiques, walking and driving tours in the historic district, museums, historic sites, and a variety of restaurants that range from favorite chains to reservation-only gourmet.

A cocktail party at the Fitzpatrick Hotel is scheduled for WashingtonWilkes Arts Foundation members, their invited guests, and participating artists and musicians on Friday evening sponsored by Deanne Crook of Griggs-Ficklen Insurance Agency and Southern Chiropractic and catered by Brian Henderson. "Honkers," a work depicting farmyard geese by Larry Wheeler, this year's featured artist, will be auctioned off at the party. Wheeler will also have open studio hours during the Festival. Following the membership party, members, their guests, local residents, and visitors can enjoy one of several music venues.

An Artists' Market featuring original art works and fine handmade crafts by nationally, regionally and locally well-known artists will be held on the Square on Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30. In addition to the 2006 featured artist, Larry Wheeler, Delores McAvoy and art students; James Trimm of the Purple Palette and students; Ann Lanier of Augusta and Ann's daughter, Kay Odell, and Ann's young granddaughters, Hattie and Grace Odell (who sell under the name HOGO) are also participating. There will also be jewelry makers and artists presenting in a variety of media.

A booth costs $50 and weekend security is provided. Any artists interested in participating should contact Karen Wheeler.

In an effort to provide unique opportunities and awareness of the arts, the Arts Foundation is sponsoring an art contest for grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Information is being disseminated to students in Wilkes County schools.

Special children's art activities are also scheduled on the Square from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. All are free of charge. Children can choose from four booths: Making Paper Flowers, Fun with Photography, Making Puppets, and Sand Art.

Sunday will offer brunches, concerts, the Artists' Market on The Square, and a continuation of historic tours.

An information booth on The Square will sell tickets each day of the Festival of Music and Art, and provide schedules and directions to all events. Available are three-day all-inclusive tickets for $35, or individual music venue tickets for $10 each.