The Virginia Highlands Festival invites artists and friends of the arts to join a three-day Plein Air festival complete with daily pop-up galleries celebrating the beauty of Abingdon, Virginia’s historic architecture and natural landscape through fine art.
Artists gather at the quaint Alvarado Station Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to pick their spot with the South Fork of the Holston River and the Creeper Trail framing their view.
A free pop-up gallery and reception featuring the day’s work of over 35 artists is held from 5:15-7 p.m. at Abingdon Vineyards. The vineyard’s tasting room will be open and light fare provided.
Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards hosts artists Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., where they can capture vineyards, mountains and the morning glory of the Blue Ridge. The second-round pop-up gallery with free admission and light reception (wine not included) is provided at The Tasting Room located on the Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards from 5:15-7 p.m. Enjoy a wine tasting of up to six selections paired with the crisp mountain air, charcuterie and vineyard storytelling.
An exclusive opportunity is offered Oct. 7 from 5-6:15 p.m. at William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, Virginia, to purchase from the Finale Juried Show reflecting three days of plein air creations from visiting artists. Enjoy a wine reception and hors d’oeuvres from local award-winning eateries. Meet and greet the artists as well as the juror, Peggy Root.
Plein Air Abingdon is a three-day, open enrollment painting event now celebrating its seventh year. Visitors can witness creativity at work on Abingdon’s sidewalks and farms. Artists spend three days painting in the open air with direct inspiration from the mountains, fields, streams and historic buildings unique to Abingdon, Virginia. Family-friendly events each night offer artists the chance to sell their day’s work and art connoisseurs to obtain their next masterpiece.
For more information, visit www.pleinairabingdon.com.
