Art In The Park Begins Its 45th Season With Saturday Show

The renowned Art in the Park series of juried art and craft shows is set to kickoff its 45th season on Saturday, May 19 in Blowing Rock. This award-winning series features the works of 130 juried artisans in metal, fiber, watercolor and oil painting, wood, photography, basketry, jewelry, clay, glass and more.
“Our May show features a number of award-winners from the 2006 season,” notes show coordinator Susan Gragg. “Janet Warner, known for her numerous Awards of Excellence at our shows, creates incredible etchings which are collected by many Art in the Park patrons.”
Janet Warner’s introduction to printmaking was while in college. “I began printmaking with Vincent Longo because he allowed me to pursue my realistic bent,” states Ms. Warner. She was immediately fascinated by this esoteric process, especially etching. Subject matter of most interest was always nature and animals.
“I still find the human figure a lyric exercise with a ready audience,” notes Ms. Warner.
In addition to college classes, Ms. Warner studied life drawing at the Art Students League of New York. Subsequently she earned a masters degree in medical art at the Medical College of Georgia.
Using photography for her “note-taking” and then adapting the subject matter later on, sometimes years later, Ms. Warner begins to draw. She uses vellum and either soft pencil or charcoal which transfer well to the prepared plate. Then using 16 gauge backed zinc plate and nitric acid exclusively, and employing a hard/soft ground mix through several states for initial work, Ms. Warner continues the process. She usually uses a rosin aquatint next, and burnishing after that.
“My editions are usually 100 and all the variations go in the one edition,” continues Ms. Warner. “I do all my own printmaking, matting and framing.” Ms. Warner’s work remains almost exclusively monochromatic, the emphasis being on textures, light and shadow. In conclusion she notes, “I have always enjoyed the figure, I like the textures with animals, and seven years in North Carolina are working their way into my landscapes.”
Janet Warner is joined at Art in the Park by numerous other award-winning artists and crafters. Check out the many booths featuring fine handcrafts and fine art.
The Chamber of Commerce provides free shuttles throughout the day. Just park your car at Tanger Outlet Center or the Food Lion Grocery on Highway 321 bypass, and hop on the shuttle which will bring you right into downtown Blowing Rock. The show is located at the American Legion Grounds just behind Memorial Park and admission is free. Show hours are 10 am til 5 pm.
Art in the Park continues with shows on June 16, July 21, August 18, September 8 and October 6. For further information please contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 800-295-7851.