Summer 2025

Next Event!

July, 8 (Tuesday) Olivette Farms
1069 Olivette Rd, Asheville 28804.
MAP

 

Brent Adams – 2023

On Tuesday, July 8, with a return to Olivette Farms, located at 1069 Olivette Rd, Asheville 28804. This is always a popular spot with a great view of the French Broad River and other hidden gems. Directions: Once you enter the community you will cross a bridge and veer to the right. When you cross the second bridge turn immediately left and continue to the crest of the hill. It will appear as if the road is going “off the edge” but have no fear. You’ll begin a gentle descent, cross over the RR tracks and the pavilion and parking will be to your left. The weather for Tuesday will be warm but the pavilion and nearby trees provide ample shade.

To get to Olivette Farms you have to almost certainly drive past Casa Cassara at 432 Olivette Rd., so I again offer the idea of meeting at my house at 9 and carpooling. We’ll start at 9:30 and share out around noon.

July, 12 (Saturday) “Y” not make art with kids?
201 Beaverdam Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
MAP

On Saturday, July 12th we’ll be doing a special activity in cooperation with the Woodfin YMCA. This will take place at their YMCA after school/summer camp location at 201 Beaverdam Rd, Asheville, NC 28804. We’ll start at 10 and finish up at 12:30.
It’s a great opportunity to paint and interact with kids, giving them a look at what a “real” artist does. The kids will have their materials provided, so all we have to do is show up and paint, let the kids watch and learn, and answer any questions they or their parents/guardians might have. I hope this can be a way for us to interact with the community and increase our presence in Asheville. I hope you can join us.

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

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 2025

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.

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.


JULY

Dennis Fleming – July 2023

From James:

Thanks as always to everyone who showed up for last week’s paint out at Blue Ridge Daylilies. It was a great day and we had about 20 painters show up. What fun!

Please remember to post work to the Facebook page, or email it to me jjcassara@gmail.com or Rosemarie Robuck Ashevillerose45@gmail.com for inclusion on our website. Scans are preferred but a good, clear, photo can do the trick. I really want to build up a “portfolio” of group work.

We have two events this week, the first of which is on Tuesday, July 8, with a return to Olivette Farms, located at 1069 Olivette Rd, Asheville 28804. This is always a popular spot with a great view of the French Broad River and other hidden gems. Directions: Once you enter the community you will cross a bridge and veer to the right. When you cross the second bridge turn immediately left and continue to the crest of the hill. It will appear as if the road is going “off the edge” but have no fear. You’ll begin a gentle descent, cross over the RR tracks and the pavilion and parking will be to your left. The weather for Tuesday will be warm but the pavilion and nearby trees provide ample shade.
To get to Olivette Farms you have to almost certainly drive past Casa Cassara at 432 Olivette Rd., so I again offer the idea of meeting at my house at 9 and carpooling. We’ll start at 9:30 and share out around noon.

On Saturday, July 12th we’ll be doing a special activity in cooperation with the Woodfin YMCA. This will take place at their YMCA after school/summer camp location at 201 Beaverdam Rd, Asheville, NC 28804. We’ll start at 10 and finish up at 12:30.
It’s a great opportunity to paint and interact with kids, giving them a look at what a “real” artist does. The kids will have their materials provided, so all we have to do is show up and paint, let the kids watch and learn, and answer any questions they or their parents/guardians might have. I hope this can be a way for us to interact with the community and increase our presence in Asheville. I hope you can join us.

The following week we’ll be taking a break but will gather again on Thursday, July 24th at Beaver Lake. As the date grows nearer I’ll be posting more information and mapping out plans for August. Stay tuned!

If you haven’t checked out Asheville Art Supply in the previous Cheap Joe’s location, be sure to do so. I am incredibly impressed with the work the new owners and returning staff have done to ensure we have an independent art supply store in our area. They have great plans to make this store the best it can be, so please be sure to support them. We are so fortunate to have a locally owned place to buy the tools we need from knowledgeable folks.

As always, be good to yourself and those around you. See you soon!

Be sure to also check out the events sponsored by the Hendersonville Plein Air Painters, found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/381293125729349, as well as our friends in Haywood County ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063680940353) Lots of opportunities to meet folks and plein air paint.

North Asheville Library Exhibit: Last year we began making plans for a group exhibit at the North Asheville Library but Helene put those plans on hold. I meet this week with the exhibits coordinator there and she is putting us back on the schedule. As SOON as I have those dates I will let everyone know and we can again move forward.

7-24 (Thursday) Beaver Lake
7-29 (Tuesday) downtown Asheville
8-5 (Tuesday) June Bug Retro
8-14 (Thursday) Bailey Mountain Preserve
8-19 (Tuesday) TBD
8-28 (Thursday) TBD
9-25 (Thursday) Bullington Gardens

 

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.

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.

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.