The Asheville Plein Air Painters are back!
May 10 paint-out at Pisgah
Pisgah Views
… and we are continuing to continue. Photos included here are from the May 10 paint-out at Mount Pisgah Overlook. A perfect day for painting! Visit the galleries and check out the other sites we’ve visited so far this year.
And now …. we have PAINT-OUTS on the calendar for the month of June and part ways into July (see below or check the calendar). James has added some old favorites and even a new venue that should prove exciting!
We still need members to step up and host a paint-out so that James can catch a break. Just contact him, James Cassara at JJCassara@gmail.com and he’ll get you in the loop.
Now that things are a bit easier, car pooling might help with high gas prices (see note of caution below) .
We will be continuing with our Tuesday schedule. Some friends have lobbied for other days but Tuesdays seem to work best, and for the sake of consistency we’ll stay with that. Unless otherwise noted we will meet at 10 and reconvene to share our efforts at 12:30. As always you’re welcome to arrive a bit early and stay as long as you wish. For all gatherings, it is suggested you pack a lunch and stay to chat with friends. Given the isolation of the past two years we really want to rebuild our sense of community.
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.
Even though Covid is fading (for good we all hope) there are those who still are taking precautions. Be respectful. Carpool if you can, but abiding by requests for masking, etc. and do help with cost of gas – as James says “It’s the kind thing to do!”
Finally note that there will no longer be a mail out. The very best place to see where the next paint-out will be is to consult the calendar. Bookmark it so you can go directly to it when you wish!
Thank you and happy painting!
The Asheville Plein Air Painters cannot continue without help from all of us. If you want to host a week, or two (or more!) PLEASE step forward and do so. This year there will not be weekly reminders, so our wonderful website and Facebook will be the only way to keep up with the wheres and whens of upcoming gatherings. As the season unfolds we hope to add some demonstrations, an indoor event or two, and new locations. Please send any suggestions to James Cassara at JJCassara@gmail.com
Attention Plein Air Painters!
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is accepting applications for plein air artists to participate in this year’s Art in Bloom! One of the most exciting aspects of Art in Bloom is plein air artists creating art during our local garden tour. We are looking for a wide range of art forms for this year’s event. Selected artists will spend one or two days (July 8th and/or 9th) making art in beautiful gardens in Black Mountain. Then, the pieces created during the tour will be on display and for sale in our gallery for the last 2 weeks of July. We will end the event with a closing reception for artists on Friday, July 29th.
This is a great opportunity for local artists to meet and network with folks in our community, as well as help our nonprofit with our biggest fundraiser of the year.
Interested artists should email Plein Air Artist Coordinator Marylee at programs@blackmountainarts.org. Send an email with the subject “Plein Air Proposal” with some photos of your work as well as your medium of choice to apply!
MAY | JUNE | JULY
April 2022
Brian Murphy Our first paint out will be Tuesday April 26 at the UNCA Botanical Gardens. 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804
151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804
Map
This allows us to stay “Close to town” in the event of inclement weather. We’ll meet at the garden’s parking lot at 10 and reconvene to share and chat at 12:30. Parking at UNCA can be limited so carpooling is always suggested. Let’s allow whoever drives to decide whether masks are required and respect their wishes.
MAY 2022
Lisa Blackshear May 3rd returns us to the NC Arboretum. 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Map
The flowers will be blooming and the colors should be glorious. We’ll meet outside the educational building at the main parking lot. PLEASE NOTE: There is a per car fee for parking, but it is half price the first Tuesday of each month. Again, carpooling is suggested. There is a wonderful cafe on site so feel free to either pack a lunch or stay and enjoy lunch with friends.
James Cassara May 10th Mount Pisgah Overlook (Mile Marker 408). Directions: James drove out to the site of Tuesday’s paint out. It is the Bad Fork Overlook. If you get on the Parkway from the NC Arboretum it is the first overlook after the second tunnel. Elevation is 3350. There are no bathroom facilities, so dress and plan accordingly. The views are spectacular, with variations of green and depending on the weather some magnificent cloud formations. From downtown Asheville it is just over 13 miles and well worth the trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway – (Mile Marker 408)
Map – see directions below
This takes us a bit further out than usual but the spectacular 360 degree views make it worth the 24 mile drive from downtown Asheville. Given the altitude it is strongly suggested you dress with extra layers and plan for some potential wind. The weather up there can be unpredictable! Paint, pack a lunch, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Mt. Pisgah. Given the distance, carpooling is best, and please contribute gas money to the driver. It’s the kind thing to do!
Anne Marie Brown May 17th Riverside Park, 1598 Riverside Dr #1540, Woodfin, NC 28804 Right along the banks of the French Broad River.
1598 Riverside Dr #1540, Woodfin, NC 28804
Map
This is a perennial favorite with a variety of trees, rocks. distant hills, and rolling waters. Ample parking, bathroom facilities, and High Five coffee for java and snacks. What more could one ask for?
Sandy Moore May 24th Casa Cassara – 432 Olivette Rd. Asheville, 28804.
432 Olivette Rd. Asheville, 28804
Map
Come by James Cassara’s own piece of solitude. A fish pond, fruit trees, four majestic Silver Maples, and some rather lovely views. There is ample parking, bathrooms, and I’ll gladly provide some fresh fruit and treats. This has become a favorite painting spot for the group.
Cyrus Glance, All Souls Church 2014
9 Swan St, Asheville, NC 28803
Map
We’ll say farewell to May on a high note as we gather outside the beautiful Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal Church ( 9 Swan St, Asheville, NC 28803) for a day of painting. There is ample parking just across the water in front of Jos. A Bank clothing store, or any number of side streets. This is a great opportunity to “urban sketch or paint” many of the fabulous architectural delights the area offers. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy a beverage and pastry at Well Bred Bakery. After we’re done painting we’ll cross over to the Grand Bohemian Hotel Gallery and enjoy the latest artwork on display. So much to take in!
JUNE 2022
Lisa Blackshear – August 2021 Olivette Farms is one of the hidden charms of our area and an absolute favorite of last year’s paint outs! We can meet at my house (432 Olivette Rd Asheville 28804) and carpool the five minutes to Olivette Farms OR you can choose to meet us there, follow these directions to the pavilion.
1069 Olivette Rd. Asheville 28804
Map
Directions: Once inside the community it can be quite tricky to find the Pavillon so I have carefully mapped this out. From Olivette Rd. turn at the sign (French Broad River Way) into the community. Cross the first bridge and turn Right at the stop sign. When you cross the second bridge make an immediate Left. You will soon cross some RR tracks and as you crest the hill it seems the road is disappearing; It’s not. Stay on that paved road and as you approach the French Broad River the road will veer to the left. The building we will meet at is on the right. We have access to the entire area but please don’t park in any places that might block traffic.
Bee Adams – September 2021
1561 Alexander Rd, Leicester, NC 28748
Map
Leicester Library is another favorite from last year. Plentiful views of mountains, gardens, and the library itself. This is a great way for our group to increase its community profile while painting something a bit different from our traditional landscapes. I owe a large part of my love of art and reading to public libraries, so this feels like an opportunity to give something in return.
Deborah Squier – 2015
1056 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Map
We’ve painted at Beaver Lake on numerous occasions but the Bird Sanctuary offers “a world within itself” with a fabulous array of fauna and wildlife. It truly is a magical spot. Parking is limited so as always carpooling is suggested. Because of the sensitive environment of the sanctuary we are asked to only paint from the wooden walkways or the clearly marked dirt trails. Please avoid the sensitive areas. I suggest placing your easel just off the walkways so as to not block the normal flow of foot traffic. Also note that a $1 per person parking fee is suggested (but not required) so please bring an extra buck or two to support this amazing place.
Sue Dolamore – 2018
Weaverville, NC 28787
Map
June 28th is “On your own” at the Main Street Nature Park ( in Weaverville (25 US-19 BUS, Weaverville, NC 28787). I will be out of town that week but strongly encourage anyone who wishes to meet, paint, share, and post your work to our Facebook page.
JULY 2022
1050 Riverside Dr, Woodfin, NC 28804
Map
This newly opened park offers some very different views of the French Broad River and the bluff that are on the opposite side, as well as the challenge of playground equipment and a nearby train for those that wish to walk or drive over. There is ample parking and restrooms available, as well as nearby spots to grab lunch afterwards.
James Cassara – October 2021 Bauer Ridge is a bit of a drive but absolutely well worth it, and you won’t find a nicer host than Kat Bauer! *Driving Directions From Asheville: Take exit 4a I-26 Weaverville to exit 9 Spruce Pine/Burnsville Parking is limited. The parking areas fit 6 cars and the rest will park on upper Maramonte Way. Carpooling would be helpful. We will meet on the deck at 9:30 and Kat will explain the details of the property. With Questions contact Kat Bauer at katherinebauer5
1050 Riverside Dr, Woodfin, NC 28804
Map – Directions
*Note: we can not pin-point on map, so please review and copy directions below – thank you!
Bauer Ridge has long views of Mt. Roan in the Unaka Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and long views of the Smoky Mountains. The Hawthorne Springs Trail, multi-leveled yard, small fish pond, and our private lane are beautiful areas to paint. The covered wrap around deck has plenty of space for social distancing. Bauer Ridge is surrounded by lush green forest with no other house in sight.
Light refreshments will be available. There are two restrooms available to use. One is handicap accessible on the ground level. For more information and photos about Bauer Ridge please check out the following link. www.aribnb.com/
Brian Murphy 2019 Take a trip back in time as we return to the fabulous June Bug Retro Resort (www.junebugretroresort.com), always a favorite of the Plein Air Painters. Just minutes from downtown Weaverville, we’ll start at 9:30 and wrap up and share our work a bit after noon. Co-owner Charlene Pagano says there’s plenty of parking and asks we use the first entrance as that will shorten how far we may need to carry our setups. Restrooms are open! In the past June Bug has been among our most popular settings and it’s a treat to return there.
355 Clarks Chapel Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
Map
