Summer 2026

Next Event!

April 23 – Thursday – Bullington Gardens
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
MAP

On Thursday, April 23, we’ll be heading south to join our friends from the Hendersonville Plein Air group at Bullington Gardens, located at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Last year I painted there for the first time and was amazed at how bucolic and lovely a spot it is. Well shaded, ample parking, and a tremendous variety of scenery. We’ll start at 9:30 and finish around noon with a share out.
“Given the current cost of gasoline let’s make every effort we can to carpool. I live just north of Asheville but would gladly meet at a central place and can easily accommodate three others.”

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.

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 2026

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.


April 2026

John Shuler – April 2024

From James:

Whew! What a weekend it was at the inaugural Montford Plein Air Festival. I don’t yet have the precise numbers but over 50 artists participated, and the quality of work created was amazing. Congratulations to the prize winners, to those who had sales, and to everyone who showed up and painted. The weather was ideal, the neighborhood was welcoming and excited, and we certainly raised awareness of the art of plein air painting. Thanks also to the judges who had the challenging task of choosing which pieces to select for prizes.
Of course the biggest congratulations and kudos go to Matt Levin, for having the vision and bringing it to fruition. Thank you over and again for the event and for allowing us the use of your lovely yard and home.

This Saturday, April 18th, brings us to the Azalea Festival at the North Carolina Arboretum. Those who are members can simply show up and paint. If you plan to do the early shift please be in front of the Baker Center by 8:45. This will allow the shuttles to transport us down to the Azalea Garden so we can set up before visitors begin to arrive.
If you are not a member of the arboretum please email me (jjcassara@gmail.com) so I can add your name to the list I will send in. That list will be provided to the front gate so you can enter as a guest. The weather looks to be very warm, so you may wish to bring a shade umbrella and plenty of extra water. I again anticipate a strong turnout and look forward to seeing everyone.

The following week we’ll shift back to our weekday schedule: On Thursday, April 23, we’ll be heading south to join our friends from the Hendersonville Plein Air group at Bullington Gardens, located at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Last year I painted there for the first time and was amazed at how bucolic and lovely a spot it is. Well shaded, ample parking, and a tremendous variety of scenery. We’ll start at 9:30 and finish around noon with a share out.
“Given the current cost of gasoline let’s make every effort we can to carpool. I live just north of Asheville but would gladly meet at a central place and can easily accommodate three others.”

We’ll be returning to the Asheville Art Museum on Thursday, April 30th to again see the incredible American Impressionism exhibit. Irwin Weinberger, who did such a great job guiding us through our first tour, will be doing so again. Even if you attended then, this is an exhibit worth seeing over and again! Afterwards I hope we can gather for lunch and compare notes, so feel free to bring a notebook and pencil along with you.

Back to the Montford Festival. One of the nicest benefits was meeting some of the folks who direct other plein air groups. There’s a very active group in the South Carolina upstate, and I would like to arrange a few gatherings with them. A list of their events, and others, can be found at https://www.pleinairpainterscarolina.com

Until then, be well, be gentle with yourself, and be good to those around you.
James

Upcoming Events

I’m hoping to line up my friend Heath Towson and one of his antique cars to tell us more about the Motor Mile Car Show event we’ll be participating in on May 30th. More information on that day will be forthcoming.
I am VERY excited that the Asheville Plein Air Painters will be participating in the Motor Mile Car Show, set for the end of May on Coxe Ave. The organizer is a former student of mine and when I reached out to Heath about our painting there, he immediately said YES!!!!
We spoke this morning to toss out ideas and logistics, more of which I will share as soon as they are settled. But go ahead and mark your calendars!

Trip to Asheville Art Museum – March 12, 2026

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.

Highlights from “Y” not make art with kids?

From James: Thanks to Woodfin YMCA staff member Ashley Phillips for helping to organize things, making a last minute supply run, and taking these photos.
Great fun painting with kids and their families at the YMCA on Beaverdam Rd. All photos shared with permission.
From Deborah Hughes: We brought our granddaughter Iris along to the the paint out at the YMCA Saturday. It was an everything, everywhere all at once kind of happening. Kids getting into paint running around, a melt down or two, some fire ants. But a lot of fun was had and the snacks, pizza, and watermelon were very welcome. This 12 x 12 oil is very different composite illustration in which I strive to capture the essence of the morning.

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.

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.

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!

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.