2025 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
2024 Best in Show: Overlook, Jill McGannon, oil
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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 19, to Saturday, August 23, 2025. The 8th annual festival aims to bring painters from around the world together 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 23rd. 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.
All art submitted to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition.
For general Plein Air Festival information, contact pleinair@BlowingRockMuseum.org.
To learn more about sponsoring the Festival, email
Stephan Dragisic at Stephan@BlowingRockMuseum.org.
Schedule*
Tuesday, August 19
Artist check-in from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Artist/sponsor mixer 5:00-6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 20- Friday, August 22
Late check-in Wednesday 11:00am-5:00 pm
Artists continue painting until Friday noon
Friday, August 22
1:00 - 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 23
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 23 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 Show & Sale of unsold art will remain on view and for sale at the museum through the end of September.
Past 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 23 between 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Timed entry tickets will be made available in Spring 2025.
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 Stephan@BlowingRockMuseum.org for more information.
A special preview sale will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 23rd 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 must be for sale, and will be entered into a plein air painting competition.
Judging Panel: Judging will be performed by (judge TBD).
Awards: BRAHM will announce the awards at 10:00 am Saturday during the Sponsor preview hour.
Awards include cash and in-kind sponsor donations of artist materials. The 2024 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