The Asheville Plein Air Painters meet the first and third Tuesdays and second and fourth Thursdays of each month, in locations in and around the Asheville area.
River Art District paint-out May 2023
June 6th at Olivette Farms.
Depending on the weather our outdoor painting season begins in mid April and runs through early November. During the cold weather season we meet twice a month for “cafe sketch” sessions at various coffee houses around town. Our paint outs are somewhat free form. The group meets at a predetermined site, but artists are encouraged to choose a vantage point of their liking. After a few hours the group comes back together to talk and show one another their work. We supply no “formal” instruction but newcomers are always encouraged to ask others for guidance and direction. We welcome artists of all levels! Funded by the Asheville Area Arts Council from 2014 – 2016, the Asheville Plein Air Painters are a self funded group. However, with the exception of artist demonstrations and occasional support of nonprofits who allow us to paint on their site, there is no cost to be a member.
Members Comments:
“I so appreciate the inclusive nature of APAP. There is no requirement for studio space/location or resume. The financial investment is minimal and the community of artist is open and accepting while still encouraging and challenging. It has broadened my experience of the art community and given me a more open experience of the community at large.” B Adams
“APAP is supportive in exploring places in Asheville and techniques that I wouldn’t go to or try without it.” K Childs
“As a featured artist, it has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and other fellow artists and create a momentum of enthusiasm for plein air. It’s a wonderful thing for tourists to see active artists in and around town as an example of Asheville as an arts destination….” C. Webster (featured artist 2014)
A bit of History …
Lisa Blackshear, founded the Asheville Urban Landscape Project group (now Asheville Plein Air Painters) in 2014. Below she gives us a little history of the groups beginnings!
Please view this through YouTube.
Susan Dolamore guided the group after Lisa Blackshear stepped down. From the beginning the group would have guest artists once a month who gave mini demonstrations about their plein air painting process. (To check out the various artist demos … go to the the past paint-outs you’ll find an archive of these paint-outs.) This continued until 2020 when Susan stepped down and the group was in the process of reforming when the pandemic hit! James Cassara took up the reins at this difficult time and kept the group motivated and out painting. James has been able to persevere and revitalize the group!
Richard Oversmith gives a painting demonstration at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain September 8, 2015
APAP creates opportunity for skill sharing and networking that can lead to economic gain. Featured artists contribute to the goal of mastery of our art form. We interact with the community on a weekly basis, sharing the love of our area and art. Networking and communications with artists, citizens, local media and leaders to encourages others to enjoy plein air. We paint the town, finding subject matter in a wide variety of venues from urban streets to parks and gardens, invoking appreciation for our beautiful and vibrant environs. With great enthusiasm, we celebrate life in Asheville through art!
To be put on our mailing list please go to Contact page.
James Cassara: Director| Rosemarie Robuck: Web Master Site Ducky.com