Fall 2024

Special Notice: Helene Happened & Asheville is in recovery …
From James:

This is not the weekly update I had expected to write, but the events of the past week or so have certainly turned our lives upside down. I know of artists who have lost their studios, some who have lost their homes, and at least one fatality. Those on what I am now calling “the outside world” have seen all the pictures and videos, but to witness the destruction firsthand takes it to an entirely different level.
But we will rebuild, and I firmly believe our area will emerge better than ever. There are numerous ways to help artists in need, most of which can be found on Facebook, and while the needs are great, I will remind everyone directly affected to be sure to also take care of yourself.
I do hope we can have a few more paint outs before the season winds down. Any small step back towards “normality” is progress. When and where that will happen I still don’t know. Many of our usual spots have sustained some level of damage and roads are still not fully open.
But we will be back. That I promise!
If you’re a local I would love to hear from you. Post to our Facebook page and let us know you’re okay. Reach out to others.

I’ve shared this elsewhere but I’m going to share it here. I cannot hear it often enough.

“Hey, WNC, New Orleans native here. We see you.
All I can tell you is my own experience:
The first few days, weeks, are mostly shock. Everything you were worried about 2 days ago is now completely irrelevant. The shock may come and go. Feeling like a zombie. Dissociating. Thinking you’re “totally fine” and then immediately wondering what’s wrong with you. Being furious at people near and far. Short tempers. Even if you are an otherwise gentle person, you might find yourself saying very unkind things. Your nervous system takes over. Your trauma response is revealing itself. For me, I went into WORK mode. I HAD to be at the center of everything. I was back in the city before we were technically allowed. I basically never stopped working, although my job was far from first responding. This happened again during Ida. I was evacuated for 10 days, and spent hours every day gathering & distributing info, working with a mutual aid group. In three weeks, you will see the first working stop light and you will get misty eyed. You will be grateful for EVERYTHING. Emotion will overwhelm you, and everyone you know, at any moment and everyone will understand. For the next year, every time you see someone for the first time, you’ll give them a huge bear hug and ask “how’d you do? Where’d you go?” It will not be normal for a long time. Years. Your life will forever be measured in before and after. Every conversation will be about Helene until you are tired of hearing the word. You’ll be desperate To talk about ANYTHING else. At some point, you’ll realize a whole day went by without mentioning Her. It’s simultaneous relief and frustration.
Survivors’ guilt is real. You will compare your losses, and always think “but they had it worse.”
You will share an unspoken bond with people who lived through it. 20 years from now, when you meet someone who lives in WNC, it will be like meeting family. You will share stories, bc the people who weren’t there just cannot understand.

There is no right thing to do right now. If you have to get out, get out. If you cannot bear to leave, don’t. If you need help, reach out. Call the disaster hotline (800-985-5990).
Take all the help you can get. File for FEMA. Take disaster food stamps. Let people send you care packages.

It really is as horrible as you think, but you cannot bear it all at once. Just keep going, one day — some days one breath at a time.​“

Much love to you all. I cannot wait to see you again.

OCTOBER

Kim Wilder Hinson – September 2023

Special Word from James …

We’ve been remarkably fortunate this year with very few rain-outs, but Mother Nature conspired against us last week as we had to cancel for only the third time this season. I hope we can reschedule a River Arts District paint out before the year is out.

Thanks as always for your support of the APAP. I say it all the time but I really mean it. You are the ones who keep this group going and I greatly appreciate every one of you.

Our friend Mitch Kolbe is offering a three day “Fall In Fairview” workshop at his farm there. Mitch is a world class painter and instructor and I highly recommend considering this (I’m going!) if you want to really take your skills to the next level. Information can be found on his website at https://mitchkolbe.com

A few words as to how I select these spots, as a lot of consideration goes into doing so. I try to find spots that represent as much as Buncombe County as possible, south, north, east, and west. Our members live in various parts of the area and I strive to be as considerate of that as I can. I also try to diversify the scenes, although it seems we do lean heavily on places near water. I’ll try to do better at balancing that.
Sufficient parking is a must, and nearby bathroom facilities, while not an absolute, certainly are a plus. I do want to incorporate more “urban” settings such as our August 20th event in downtown Weaverville, as well as September paint outs in the River Arts District and downtown Asheville. As of now I have us scheduled through mid November; we’ll add others as the weather dictates. I hope I’ve done a better job of organizing things and I’m always open to new ideas and positive suggestions.

As a reminder, all paint outs officially begin at 9:30 and go until noon, but you’re always welcome to arrive a bit early and stay.

June Bug Retro – September 5, 2024

A HUGE thanks to everyone who made it to June Bug on Thursday. Even in my absence it’s great to see the group continue to thrive. I’m equally grateful for the members who took photos and sent them my way. Nice to see a good turnout and happy smiles. (Photos take by S.B Viemeister & Shealy Thompson)

Lake Julian Park – August 27, 2024

From James Cassara: “I’m again overwhelmed by today’s turnout. 23 in all, including several of our friends from the Hendersonville Plein Air Painters group. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.”

From Susan Havey: “The Art League’s Hendersonville Plein Air Painters met up with the Asheville Plein Air Painters for a paint out at Lake Julian Park yesterday. We enjoyed a nice turn out and production of painted works. Looking forward to two more joint paint outs this season, and making new friends.”

Farm of Andrea Debevoise, Haw Creek – August 15, 2024

I’m still on cloud nine over the amazing turnout at our last paint out …Friends, you’ve outdone yourselves! 24 artists at the (August 15th) plein air gathering. It really feels like old times. Thanks over and again!

Some more photos from a great day of Painting!

UNCA Botanical Gardens – August 6, 2024

Thanks again to everyone who came out today to paint. Our second largest gathering of the year. A great mix of regulars, newcomers, an out of town visitor, and seldom seen but always welcome friends. What a fine day to paint and share ideas.
Remember, if you’re interested in having your work displayed at the North Asheville Library, please email me at jjcassara@gmail.com

Bailey Mountain – August 3, 2024

We had a wonderful turnout for our Saturday paint out at Bailey Mountain, a nice mix of regulars and two newcomers.
A special welcome to Julia and Mary, with hopes of seeing you both at many more events.

Charles D. Owen Park – July 30, 2024

Thanks as always to those who joined us for yesterday’s paint out at Charles D. Owen Park. The stormy weather kept our numbers down, and a few folks opted to leave early, but all in all it was a fun morning.

With several newcomers joining us we’ve had a few posts asking how the group works. It’s easy. Events are listed here, on our Facebook page, Instagram, or at Ashevillepleinair.com There is no membership fee or costs of any sort, with the exception of special events such as demos and workshops. Find a paint out that fits your schedule and come join us! With very rare exceptions, all of our paint outs start at 9:30 and wrap up around noon; except for a few selected sites, of which I will make note, you’re welcome to arrive a bit early and stay late. We’re a VERY flexible group.
Of course if you’re new to plein air and have questions about materials and such or would like to be added to our mailing list, feel free to email me at jjcassara@gmail.com
I hope you’re encouraged to come out and paint with us!

A special note: We have many more names on our mailing list than we have attendees. Part of that is we have folks who only visit our area on an irregular basis. But if you’re a local and haven’t yet joined us I want to extend a special invite to do so. This is a wonderful group of folks who are coming at this from all levels of experience. No judgement, as we are not here to critique. We’re here to draw, paint, have fun, and support each other. So don’t be shy, we’d love to have you join us.

As Yoda says, “there is no try, there is only do.” And how are we to argue with Yoda?

James ….

 

Planned Schedule of activities – subject to change, so check Website, Facebook or Calendar!

Some changes I am proposing: Last year’s alternating Tuesday/Thursday schedule seemed to work well, but it still leaves out those who work during the week. I’m suggesting we move to a three weekday paint outs and one Saturday per month format. If anyone wants to host a fourth weekday, PLEASE let me know. But I find myself unable to attend four (and sometimes five) paint outs per month. We are the only local group who maintains a weekly schedule, but with my teaching work and desire to travel more I need to scale back a bit.

A Final Word From James:

In addition to our website and Facebook page I will be sending out weekly reminders 3 or 4 days prior to each paint out. If you wish to receive these reminders you must email me (James) at jjcassara@gmail.com to be added to the list. Please don’t assume because you’ve been a member of the group you’ll automatically be added. In this regard we’re beginning from scratch.

email List:

If you would like to be added, please email James Cassara at jjcassara@gmail.com 

If you want to share your paintings for the event day, post them on the Facebook site or send them to Rosemarie and we’ll add them to our galleries for each paint-out. We also have a general gallery for each month which you can share something you’ve done during the month.

Also note: If the weather looks very bad we will post to the Facebook page and our website that a paint out has been cancelled. Always check those places the morning of the event to be sure. If the weather is “iffy” it’s left up to your discretion whether or not to go.

 

NOTE: On the Listings page – check for a list of this years paint-out events.

Next Event!

Due to Hurricane Helene Paint-outs on hold until farther notice!
We hope all members are safe & stay well!

Looking Ahead:

Other things on the horizon:
We now have seven of us interested in being part of the North Asheville Library APAP exhibit, dates still to be determined, but likely sometime next spring. If you’re interested in participating please email me at jjcassara@gmail.com and let me know.
The North Asheville Library has a secured display case in which artists can place their work.  While we’re not allowed to list prices and “works for sale” you can attach your contact information to the piece and list it as available (just not a specific price).

That’s it for now. Happy painting and see you soon.

Other Events

For those wanting to sketch, the Urban Sketchers of Asheville have several outings planned for the next month. Be sure to check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915 for those events, including a special one at the Biltmore Estate.

 

Thanks as always, stay cool, and enjoy the many beautiful spots that we’re blessed with here in Western North Carolina.
… and happy Painting, James

 
 

Remember to always check the Facebook page, our website, and the weekly Mailchimp for changes. I’ve done my best to create a tentative schedule for the entire year but things do come up, and changes do have to be made.

If you love to sketch (and who among us doesn’t need more practice?) be sure to check out our “sister” group, The Urban Sketchers Asheville. Their Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915

North Carolina is blessed with many local plein air groups. If you haven’t done so I suggest you go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/451223895905067 If you find yourself traveling, what better way to see our state than painting with other plein air artists?

Where We’ve been in 2024

Check the Galleries to see past locations of our paint-outs!