Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park Begins 47th Season May 16

Shoppers enjoy Art in the Park in downtown Blowing Rock.

Art in the Park in Blowing Rock has a history that dates to the early 1960s, when artists living in and around the village would come to the town’s park to display and sell some of their paintings or other pieces. Now in its 47th year, Art in the Park attracts artists from all over the Eastern United States. This award-winning series features the works of more than 90 juried artisans in metal, fiber, watercolor and oil painting, wood, photography, basketry, jewelry, clay, glass and more.

The first show of the season takes place on Saturday, May 16. 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. 

“I’m really looking forward to the first show on May 16,” said show coordinator Stephanie Keener. “May means the crowds are generally smaller and shopping is a little more relaxed—you can spend more time with each artist. We have several of last year’s award winners coming.”

Last year’s September Award of Excellence winner, Nancy Strailey, is more than excited to be at Art in the Park once again. Strailey is a unique colored pencil artist whose drawings reflect her experiences in Africa. Often, her drawings are done on paper that the artist makes herself and incorporates bits of plants, fiber and even dung collected in Africa. Strailey sees herself as part of the continuation of humanity’s 300,000-year tradition of animal and cultural image-makers. Strailey will return in August, September and October as well.

Pictured above is “The Migration Symphony” by 2008 Art in the Park Award of Excellence Winner Nancy Strailey, who will be at the Saturday, May 16, show in Blowing Rock.

Susan Crouch will display her amazing watercolors, and don’t miss Rick Murray or Steve Noggle’s turned wood. Favorites like Teresa Pennington (drawing) and Marcus Thomas (painting) will also be there.

Art in the Park always features not only a mix of media, but a mix of well-established artists and those just “breaking on the scene.” New to the show this year is Carol McCrady, who creates illumination on papyrus paper. 

Later in the season, jewelry maker Bill Lehnert, printmaker Janet Warner and glass artist Judson Guerard will join the festival alongside newcomers to the show.

The Chamber of Commerce provides free shuttles throughout the day. Just park your car at Tanger Outlet Center or the Food Lion Grocery on Highway 321 Bypass, and hop on the shuttle that will bring you to downtown Blowing Rock.  Dates for this year’s shows are May 16, June 13, July 18, August 15, September 12 and October 3.

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. The Lonesome River Band will be at the Hayes Center on Saturday, May 16, and the Sunday, May 17, Concert in the Park will feature the Cans and Pans Steel Drum Band from Ashe County High School.  

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.

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