Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC has a history which dates from the early 1960’s, when artists living in and around the village would come to the town’s park to display and sell some of their paintings or other pieces. Now in its 46th year, Art in the Park attracts artists from all over the Eastern U.S. This award-winning series features the works of 100 juried artisans in metal, fiber, watercolor and oil painting, wood, photography, basketry, jewelry, clay, glass and more.
“I’m really looking forward to the first show on May 17,” said show coordinator Stephanie Keener. “May means the crowds are generally smaller and shopping is a little more relaxed, you can spend more time with each artist. We have several of last year’s award winners coming.”
Last year’s May Award of Distinction winner, Greg Barnes, is more than excited to be there again. Barnes is a unique painter who does his work “en plein air,” which means that he paints outside, not from a photograph. “I feel like something comes through from that experience in the paintings,” said Barnes, “I paint wherever I travel. I’m in Colorado in the late summer, I paint there. I paint in the low country on my way to Florida; I’m always struck by the marsh lands.”
Of course, Barnes paints the North Carolina Mountains as well. At the May 17 show, Barnes will be featuring “Spring Dance,” which he painted in the North Carolina Mountains this April. Barnes, who paints in the American Impressionist style, came to be a professional painter after leaving the corporate world following the terrorist attacks of September 11. “I had always kept one foot in creativity, working as a graphic designer and technical illustration, but that day was a turning point for me.”
Another award winner from September 2007, Justine Ferreri, will be back with her fun, whimsical sculpture. Susan Crouch will also be there with her amazing watercolors. And don’t miss Jan Havens incredible etchings. Favorites like Teresa Pennington (drawing) and Judy Brater Rose (pottery) will also be there. The May show is a great time for locals to visit and shop, May means the crowds are generally smaller and shopping is a little more relaxed, you can spend more time with each artist.
Art in the Park always features not only a mix of media, but a mix of well-established artists and those just “breaking on the scene”. Later in the season will find favorites such as jewelry maker Bill Lehnert, printmaker Janet Warner, painter Marcus Thomas, and glass artist Judson Guerard along side newcomers to the show. We’re very excited to have first-time-at-the-show artists like Jenny Lou Sherbourne, a North Carolina potter whose colorful pieces will amaze you and furniture maker Richard Wiegand, whose pieces are a wonderful example of craftsmanship in America. Of course, there are many others, each with their own unique art and individualism. Some artists will be present at every show, others only at one or two, making every Art in the Park a new experience.
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. Dates for this year’s shows are: May 17, June 14, July 19, August 16, September 13, & October 4.
Usually, Art in the Park is followed on Sunday by Concert in the Park. Concert in the Park features a variety of musical forms in a free concert in Memorial Park’s gazebo right on Main Street. Concert dates for 2008 are: May 18 -- Cans and Pans Steel Drum Band of Ashe County High June 15 – Buck Haggard August 10 – Pipes and Drums of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Band September 14 – Hayes Graduate String Quartet from ASU October 5 – Die Rhinelanders Oktoberfest Band. Art in the Park and Concert in the Park make for a great arts focused week-end in the mountains.
For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.