Jeremy Sams
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’s historic architecture and natural landscape through fine art.
Plein Air Abingdon is a three-day, open enrollment painting event celebrating its eighth year. The community is welcome to participate in this town-wide art celebration produced by the Virginia Highlands Festival.
Visitors witness creativity at work on Abingdon’s sidewalks, farms and local landscapes while artists spend three days painting in the open air drawing 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.
With over $3,000 in cash prizes and multiple opportunities for displaying and selling artwork, Plein Air Abingdon works to integrate support for artists with opportunities for community celebration and arts education.
For Deirdre Cole, executive producer of the Virginia Highlands Festival, Plein Air provides an additional opportunity to enrich the arts in our region and support working artists. “The fall tapestry of Southwest Virginia is an artist’s dream. The colors and textures of our locations are specially selected to inspire both the artist to create and the art connoisseur to grow their collection,” said Cole.
The 2019 “Best in Show” recipient and 2022 Juror, Beth Bathe, describes Plein Air Abingdon as layered with picturesque rolling hills, rural pastoral views, old barns on ancestral farmland, and a town rich with culture.”
This fun, community-centered event supports local artists and businesses, spotlights artists and their creative processes, cultivates outdoor art events and provides ample opportunities to take home fresh, local artwork.
Artists gather at The Arts Depot Oct. 3 to plan their painting locations in multiple options provided in scenic Washington County, Virginia. The community is welcome to observe the artists at work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A free pop-up exhibit, sale and reception featuring the day’s work of over 50 artists is held at the Barns at Chip Ridge from 5-7:30 p.m. A special demonstration and art talk by juror, Jeremy Sams, is open to the public from 5-6 p.m. Light fare provided. Tumbling Creek Cider available for purchase.
Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is the host Oct. 4 for artists to capture vineyards, mountains and the morning glory of the Blue Ridge. Visitors are welcome to watch the artists from 9 am. to 2 p.m. The pop-up exhibit and sale is held at The Tasting Room on the Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Free admission and light reception (wine not included). A wine tasting of up to six selections paired with the crisp mountain air, charcuterie and vineyard storytelling is available.
The festival concludes Oct. 5 at the William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, Virginia, where the Grand Finale Juried Art Gallery & Sale is held. VIP access is from 5-6 p.m. ($25 ticket) includes an opportunity to purchase art, meet the artists and the juror, and a wine reception and hors d’oeuvres. The event opens to the public from 6-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments provided.
To reserve a VIP ticket or for artist registration, visit www.pleinairabingdon.com.
