2023 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
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 15th, to Saturday, August 19th, 2023. The festival aims to bring painters together from around the world 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 "Wet Paint" Art Show & Sale on Saturday, August 19th. 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 submitted art to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition. Artist Registration is below. Wet Paint Sale shopping reservations will be made available Spring 2023. For sponsorship information, contact Jennifer@BlowingRockMuseum.org .
Visit BlowingRock.com for lodging information. This is a busy tourism season, so book lodging early.
For more information, read the Artist Prospectus.
Registration for the 2023 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival has filled.
Please use the form below to be added to our waitlist for artists.
Schedule*
Tuesday, August 15th
Artist check-in from 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Artist/sponsor mixer 5:00-6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 16th - Friday, August 18th
Late check in on Wednesday 10:00-5:00 pm
Artists continue painting until Friday afternoon
Friday, August 18th
2:00 - 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 19th, 2023
10:00 am: Ticketed Patron Preview and Judging
11:00 am - 5:00 pm: Public Wet Paint Show
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
Registration
All artists should have registered online in advance of the event. Your festival name badge entitles you to free admission to local attractions during the festival for the purpose of painting on site.
$70 for BRAHM members early bird registration- through February 1, 2023 ($80 for non members)
$80 for BRAHM Members regular registration- February 2 – August 1, 2023 ($90 for non members)
Cancelation policy: an 80% refund will be issued if artists cancel before July 1, 2023
- 2022 Wet Paint Sale Submissions -
Information for Buyers
The festival will conclude on August 19th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm with an exhibition and sale of the art created over the four days of painting. The Wet Paint sale of unsold art will remain on view and for sale at the museum through the end of September.
Past Wet Paint 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 view the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Saturday, August 19th between 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Timed entry tickets will be made available Spring 2023.
All previously unsold artwork will be available for purchase at that time.
All pieces must remain on display until 5:00 pm.
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 Jennifer@BlowingRockMuseum.org for more information.
A special preview sale will be held at 10:00 am on August 19th for festival sponsors above the $250 level and BRAHM Daingerfield Society Members.
Blowing Rock Plein Air Competition
All submitted art to the Wet Paint Art Show & Sale (see information below) will be entered into a plein air painting competition.
Judging Panel: Judging will be performed by a panel selected by BRAHM.
Awards Ceremony: BRAHM will announce the awards at 11:00 pm Saturday during the public exhibition and art sale.
Awards include: cash and in-kind sponsor donations of artist materials. The 2022 Festival included $3,500 in cash prizes.
2020 Blowing Rock Plein Air Wet Paint Show Judging
2022 Blowing Rock Plein Air Wet Paint Sale
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