May 1, 2008 issue
Art in the Park 2008 Begins May 17
Story by Anna Oakes
Whether you’re searching for a lovely addition to your home or garden, a gift for a friend or a new accessory, Blowing Rock’s 46th annual Art in the Park is a good place to find it.
The juried art and craft show takes place several Saturdays each summer at the American Legion Grounds in downtown Blowing Rock, and the first of 2008 is on Saturday, May 17.
The art show originated in the early 1960s, when artists living around Blowing Rock would come to the town’s park to display and sell some of their paintings or other pieces. Art in the Park, organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, now attracts 100 artisans from all over the eastern United States, displaying works of metal, fiber, watercolor and oil painting, wood, photography, basketry, jewelry, clay, glass and more.
“I’m really looking forward to the first show on May 17,” said Stephanie Roark Keener, membership services director for the Blowing Rock Chamber. “We have several of last year’s award winners coming.”
These include Justine Ferreri’s whimsical sculptures and Susan Crouch’s watercolors and Jan Havens’ etchings. Such favorites as drawing artist Teresa Pennington, potter Judy Brater-Rose and painter Marcus Thomas will also be there.
“The May show is a great time for locals to visit and shop,” Keener said. “May means the crowds are generally smaller and shopping is a little more relaxed. You can spend more time with each artist.”
Newcomers to the art show include Jenny Lou Sherbourne, a North Carolina potter with colorful pieces and furniture maker Richard Wiegand.
The Chamber of Commerce provides free shuttles throughout the day. Just park your car at the Tanger Outlet Center or the Food Lion Grocery on U.S. Highway 321 Bypass and catch the shuttle into downtown Blowing Rock. The show is located at the American Legion Grounds just behind Memorial Park and admission is free.
Show hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Additional dates include June 14, July 19, August 16, September 13 and October 4.
Usually, Art in the Park is followed on Sunday by Concert in the Park. Concert in the Park features a variety of musical forms in a free concert in Memorial Park’s gazebo on Main Street. This year’s performers include Cans and Pans Steel Drum Band of Ashe County High School on Sunday, May 18; Buck Haggard on June 15; Pipes and Drums of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Band on August 10; Hayes Graduate String Quartet on September 14 and the Die Rhinelanders Oktoberfest Band on October 5.
For more info, call 828-295-7851 or click to www.blowingrock.com.
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