Beverley Street Studio School announced the launch of its first Queen City Plein Air Festival. Twenty-three established plein air painters (plein air is French for “in the open air”) representing Virginia and four neighboring states – Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina & South Carolina – will be in Staunton and Augusta County for three days of painting followed by the sale of their paintings in the BSSS Gallery.
Invited artists will paint historic downtown Staunton, gardens of Staunton homes open during the Historic Garden Week Tour, Polyface Farms in Swoope and Rolling Hills Farm on Bells Lane.
The community is encouraged to participate in several events during the Festival.
Friday, April 22 begins as a community centered day with a Paint Staunton Quick Draw Art Competition, sponsored by Bob & Amanda Avery. This event is open to the public. BSSS members, guest artists and community artists of any age are encouraged to sign up. At 10am the bullhorn will blow and artists will begin to paint several blocks of downtown Staunton. At 1pm the bullhorn will blow again to signify the close of the event. Painters and guests will meet at the Sunspots Pavilion where art will be judged and awards totaling $750 will be presented for those in both professional and amateur categories. After the awards are presented, the art will then be offered for sale to the public. Ten percent of the proceeds from the Paint Staunton sale will be given to the Children’s Art Network to support art in area schools.
Friday, April 22, beginning at 2:30pm will be an Artist Demonstration with New Jersey artist and BSSS Spring Workshop instructor, Lauren Andreac, held at BSSS. This event is limited to 25 participants, registration required.
Saturday, April 23, in partnership with the Staunton/Augusta Garden Tour, Queen City Plein Air painters will be painting in the gardens of homes featured on the Historic Garden Week Tour. Come out to see our artists capture the beauty of the exquisite Staunton gardens off of Edgewood Road.
Saturday, April 23, the Festival culminates with a private “Fresh Paint” Gallery Sale and Reception starting at 5pm. Entry is $10 and will be waived for event sponsors.
The public “Fresh Paint” Gallery Sale and Reception will be from 5:30-7:30 pm with awards presented at 6pm by judge, Nan Covert. The BSSS Gallery is located two blocks east of the School at 22 West Beverley Street.
For registration information or for general information about any of the Festival’s events, please visit: queencitypleinair.org or call the School’s office at 540-886-8636.
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