Winter 2025

Next Event!

Saturday, April 26 – Azalea Festival at the NC Arboretum
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
MAP

Shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes during the day. We’ll begin at 9 and finish at 4. You can sign up for the morning, afternoon, or any part in between. Arboretum members can use your pass, but non-members need to email me at JJCassara@gmail.com so I can put you on the guest list. Please let me know as soon as you can if you plan to join us. The weather looks to be in the mid 70s with scattered thunderstorms later into the day.

Check out … Urban Sketchers of Asheville on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915 …Note that they are having “coffee shop sketch” at Recess Coffee and Baked Goods on February 1st in Black Mountain!

 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.


APRIL

Kim Wilder Hinson, April 2023

From James:

It was wonderful to finally have our first official paint out of the season, and while the weather was chilly and a bit windy, we had a good turn out and a fine time. It was especially nice to welcome newcomer Heidi Hoffer and a few folks whose schedules only allow them to paint with us infrequently.

Since we have several new folks, let’s go over a few details. Unless otherwise stated, our paint outs begin at 9:30 and wrap up around noon, depending on the group’s wishes. Our closing “share out” is completely optional, but we do love it when folks gather and introduce themselves. My goal for this year is to again have four paint outs per month, roughly alternating Tuesday and Thursday. That is sometimes dependent on my schedule, and while I won’t promise to make every event, I do try to make the majority.
Weather cancellations: If the weather looks threatening I will post to our Facebook page no later than 8 on the morning of our paint out. I know some folks don’t like using Facebook but it’s the best way I know to get out immediate information. You can try texting or emailing me but I will likely be too busy to respond on time.

Having said that, let’s make some art! Our next gathering is this Saturday, April 26th, for our third annual Azalea Festival at the North Carolina Arboretum. Shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes during the day. We’ll begin at 9 and finish at 4. You can sign up for the morning, afternoon, or any part in between. Arboretum members can use your pass, but non-members need to email me at JJCassara@gmail.com so I can put you on the guest list. Please let me know as soon as you can if you plan to join us. The weather looks to be in the mid 70s with scattered thunderstorms later into the day.

Other upcoming events: The Weaverville Art Safari, April 26 and 27th. If you’re not going to attend the Azalea Festival, do either day. I will be there Sunday afternoon and hope to see some of you at this fun event. Details can be found at https://weavervilleartsafari.com
Thursday, May 1st, at the Leicester Library. This will coincide with a childrens reading event taking place inside, but branch manager Anna Booraem and I both thought having kids and their parents come see what we’re doing would be a great way to interact with the public and give our group some publicity.
Tuesday, May 6th. French Broad Overlook, located at 3938 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Arden, NC 28704 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sandy Moore will host, as I cannot be there that day.
Thursday, May 15th. To be determined. I am teaching that day, so I’m considering either an afternoon paint out (3-6) or Friday the 16th. I’d like to hear your thoughts on either option.

Please note: Unless otherwise stated, all events begin at 9:30 and finish up with an optional sharing at noon. This is not a “critique”, but rather an opportunity to meet other members and see what they’ve done.

Scheduled events for April & May:
4-26 (Saturday) Azalea Festival and NC Arboretum
following subject to change
May 1 (Thursday) Leicester Library
5-6 (Tuesday) French Broad Overlook – Sandy Moore will host
5-15 (Thursday) Reems Creek Nursery
5-20 (Tuesday) June Bug Retro
5-29 (Thursday) Black Mountain RR Depot

Looking ahead: we also have the Urban Sketchers Carolina Sketch Crawl, set for June 28th in lovely Forest City. While this is being hosted by the Urban Sketchers (of which I am also a member) the invitation is open to Plein Air Painters as well. If you plan to be part of the “formal” activities you need to pre-register. Details can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/uskasheville/permalink/2018743828638654.

That’s it for now. Keep those fingers crossed for good weather, stay positive, and as always be kind to yourself and those around you.

The Urban Sketchers of Asheville group will be hosting an event in Forest City, just 50 miles from Asheville, on June 28th. We will be having Urban Sketchers from Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and all points in between. If you’re interested in more information go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629767924202915
There is significant overlap between our two groups, so if folks want to carpool and paint/sketch, or just see what’s happening, it looks like a fun event.

That’s it for now. Despite the challenges I am committed to making 2025 the best season it can be. In the meantime be good to yourself and others.

In the spirit of friendship I’d like to gently remind folks to please limit side conversations during our sharing time. I fully understand the need to socialize at our paint outs, but I also want to be respectful of the artists who are sharing their efforts, as well as those who have diminished hearing or soft voices. Let’s all do a bit better!

PennyCup Coffee – February 18, 2025

A nice gathering today at PennyCup. Thanks to all who made it, with a special welcome to newcomers Michael and Kelly.

Helene

Yesterday (October 19th) I made my first trip into the River Arts District. I thought I was prepared for the level of destruction but it’s far worse than I could have imagined. Please keep all those artists in your thoughts, and look for the many ways we can help and support them in this most difficult of times.

The Asheville Artists Network Facebook Page I co-moderate has been a great resource for those who need help. If you’re unfamiliar with us, we can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ashevilleartscene

Stay well friends. Together, we will get through this. I firmly believe our city and the arts community will emerge stronger than ever.

Zealandia – November 19, 2024

Thanks to everyone who made it out this morning to Zealandia. The weather was overcast but that made for some interesting skies. I look forward to folks posting their finished pieces.

Thanks to everyone who came out today (November 2, 2024, North Carolina Arboretum) to paint. Great fun!

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.