The 4th annual Brevard Plein Air Festival will take place Monday, September 9, through Saturday, September 14. The festival is presented by Territory, organized by Heart of Brevard and supported by Hub for the Arts. This year’s featured artist is Kyle Buckland. “These festivals serve as a much needed bridge between the public and artists,” says Buckland. “It’s a great opportunity for collectors to meet the artists, learn their stories and gain insight into how their paintings are created.”
Artists will paint at various locations in Transylvania County and Downtown Brevard throughout the week including a required day of painting downtown. “North Carolina offers a diverse range of subjects, from picturesque historic downtown scenes and rural farms to stunning mountain views,” says Buckland. “The variety of subject matter, coupled with the community’s kindness and generosity, will undoubtedly be valuable assets for the participating artists.”
Kyle Buckland, artist
On Wednesday evening there will be a public lecture and demonstration by Buckland, who is a resident artist at The William King Museum of Art’s Art Lab in Abingdon, VA. “I am passionate about plein air painting because it immerses artists in their surroundings,” says the artist. “I don’t just paint what I see; I aim to capture the essence and atmosphere of the scene. This involves listening to the sounds like the rustling of the wind in the trees or the bustle of crowds in downtown settings, as well as sensory experiences like the feel of the wind on my face or the warmth of the sun. I believe these elements infuse the painting with depth and authenticity.”
On Thursday evening, artists will participate in a Quick Draw Competition in which they create a piece within a two-hour window followed by immediate judging. The weekend kicks off with a Patron’s Preview Party on Friday, September 13, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Trust Center. A $100 ticket provides a first opportunity to view and purchase the competition’s finest pieces created by 30 talented artists from across the country. The preview party will feature wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music by Rick Kuncicky. On Saturday, the works open up to the public for viewing and purchase at the Wet Paint Show & Sale.
Sixty percent of art sales during the festival directly benefits the artists, while the remaining 40 percent supports the mission of Heart of Brevard to enhance Brevard’s downtown and support the local economy. “The Brevard Plein Air Festival is more than just an art event; it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and creativity,” said Nicole Bentley, executive director of Heart of Brevard.
“We are thrilled to welcome artists and visitors from all over to experience the beauty of Downtown Brevard and the surrounding areas. This festival not only showcases incredible talent but also supports our mission to revitalize downtown and foster a thriving arts community.”
Buckland says the Brevard Plein Air Festival provides a wonderful opportunity to inspire creativity in the community. “I’ve witnessed many young artists ignite their creative spark by observing artists at work—sometimes a single encounter is all it takes for a youngster to decide to pursue the arts,” he says. “As a self-taught artist who began painting at a young age, having mentors to look up to was always important to me.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BrevardNC.org.
