2024 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
2023 Best in Show: Grand Manor, Katie Dobson Cundiff, oil
Reserve your tickets to the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on August 24th here!
The Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival is a four-day, open enrollment plein air painting event. It takes place in the beautiful mountainous area surrounding the town of Blowing Rock in western North Carolina, from Tuesday, August 20th, to Saturday, August 24th, 2024. The festival aims to bring painters together from around the world to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event prompts applicants to explore the unique Blowing Rock architecture, spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views, and overall Appalachian feel of one of the most scenic areas in the country.
After four days of painting "en plein air," painters are invited to display their completed works at the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on Saturday, August 24th. Collectors and the public are invited to attend this impressive display of Plein Air paintings to both view and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of the High Country.
Reserve your tickets to the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on August 24th here!
All art submitted to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition.
For sponsorship information, contact Stephan@BlowingRockMuseum.org.
Visit BlowingRock.com for lodging information. This is a busy tourism season, so book lodging early.
For more information, read the Artist Prospectus.
To learn more about sponsoring the Festival, email Stephan Dragisic at Stephan@BlowingRockMuseum.org.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Sue Glenn of Blowing Rock Properties
The Blowing Rock Attraction
Guerilla Painter • Blick Art Materials
Hemlock Inn/Bryan & Donna Summers
Schedule*
Tuesday, August 20th
Artist check-in from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Artist/sponsor mixer 5:00-6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 21st - Friday, August 23rd
Late check-in on Wednesday 11:00-5:00 pm
Artists continue painting until Friday afternoon
Friday, August 23rd
2:00 - 5:00 pm: Art Drop off. Please frame all art, install hanging wire, and complete paperwork in advance of drop-off to expedite the drop-off process.
Saturday, August 24th
10:00 am: Ticketed Patron Preview and Judging
11:00 am - 5:00 pm: Public Festival Show and Sale
5:00 - 6:00 pm: Artists collect any unsold paintings if they do not wish to participate in the extended sale. Sold artwork claimed by purchasers with receipt.
*Schedule subject to change
Information for Buyers
The festival will conclude on August 24th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with an exhibition and sale of the art created over the four days of painting. The Wet Paint sale of unsold art will remain on view and for sale at the museum through the end of September.
Past Wet Paint Sales have included both emerging as well as established professional artists. They are a unique opportunity to purchase art of Blowing Rock landmarks and meet the artists, all while contributing to our community outreach and education programs.
The general public may make free reservations to view the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on Saturday, August 24th between 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Timed entry tickets will be made available in Spring 2024.
All previously unsold artwork will be available for purchase at that time.
All pieces must remain on display until 5:00 p.m.
BRAHM handles all sales and retains a 30% commission as a fundraiser for our non-profit community programs.
Sponsors
Enjoy special benefits including advertising co-ops, website links, and admission to the Patron Preview sale while supporting the outreach and mission of BRAHM in our community. Contact Jennifer@BlowingRockMuseum.org for more information.
A special preview sale will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 24th for festival sponsors above the $1000 level and BRAHM Daingerfield Society Members.
Blowing Rock Plein Air Competition
All submitted art to the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale (see information below) will be entered into a plein air painting competition.
Judging Panel: Judging will be performed by Jeremy Sams.
Awards Ceremony: BRAHM will announce the awards at 11:00 pm Saturday during the public exhibition and art sale.
Awards include cash and in-kind sponsor donations of artist materials. The 2023 Festival included $3,500 in cash prizes.
Lodging
Numerous lodging options are available to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. We recommend making arrangements early, as demand is especially high this sesason.
Visit BlowingRock.com for lodging information.
You may also visit at ExploreBoone.com, ExploreCaldwell.com, and HighCountryHost.com