Exploring downtown Blowing Rock or cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway last week, you might have spotted over a hundred talented artists capturing the beauty of the region in real-time.
Last week marked the annual Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival, where artists signed up to create live outdoor paintings daily. The grand finale took place on Saturday, August 19, featuring a "Wet Paint" sale and an awards ceremony.
The Wet Paint sale unfolded at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here, locals had the opportunity to purchase these unique artworks, while the festival winners were unveiled.
Katie Dobson-Cundiff took home the top prize with her masterpiece, "Grand Manor," a stunning portrayal of the iconic Cone Manor house along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Brian Murphy secured second place with his enchanting lake landscape, "Walking Trail." Jean Cauthen's "The Ragged Garden" earned her the third-place spot, and Denis Byrd's "Morning Clouds" snagged fourth place.
According to Stephan Dragisic, Executive Director of BRAHM, the event saw fantastic weather and happy artists throughout the week. If you missed the chance to buy their artwork during the sale, fear not! These incredible pieces can still be viewed and purchased at BRAHM, with 30% of the proceeds supporting essential nonprofit community programs.
