By Natasha Anderson
Heart of Brevard (HOB) announces the third annual Art is in the Air: A Celebration of Plein Air, taking place Monday, September 11, through Saturday, September 16. The event, presented by Lucy Clark Gallery and Studio, gathers more than 25 exceptionally talented regional artists to downtown Brevard and Transylvania County to capture the breathtaking landscapes and urban scenes that define the community.
“The Art is in the Air festival is a testament to the passion and creativity that thrive in Brevard,” says local artist and gallery owner Lucy Clark. “As the presenting sponsor, I am honored to support our community, local artists and businesses, and celebrate the spirit of artistic expression that makes our town truly special.”
Billy Smith
Throughout the week, artists will immerse themselves in the great outdoors, capturing Brevard and its surroundings on their canvases. The festivities will culminate in a downtown street festival on September 16, featuring the highly anticipated Wet Paint Show & Sale, held in Times Arcade Alley. This show will display the pieces created throughout the weekend, offering art collectors and the public the chance to admire and acquire these unique works that celebrate the beauty of the region and community.
The downtown street festival on Saturday will take place on West Main and West Jordan streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly, free event will feature more than 30 artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. In addition, attendees can savor a diverse selection of offerings from food vendors and local restaurants throughout the day. Live music performances will also take place. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and stay for a full day of festivities.
Rokhaya Waring is the featured artist for this year’s festival. Waring has spent time painting in many locales including Italy, Israel, Tahiti and France. Two years ago, she moved from New England to WNC, where the mountain views and continually changing skies hark back to her 20-odd years in the Lower Alps of Haute-Provence. Her dual nationality and extensive travels have had a profound effect on her work.
“I always strive to be looser, to arrive at the essence of the subject without losing subtlety, to stay simple, as opposed to overworked, without becoming simplistic,” says Waring. “I’m getting better at stopping when the piece just comes together, and often before the stage I thought I’d have to arrive at.”
Waring will offer a painting demonstration on Thursday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m., and will also participate in the festival’s Quick Draw competition on Saturday. Her work will be offered at the Wet Paint Show & Sale.
A full schedule of events, participating artists and vendors, as well as advance tickets for the sale will be available at BrevardNC.org. Follow Heart of Brevard on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter for the most up-to-date information.
