Art in the Park in Blowing Rock Saturday 

Don’t miss Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion grounds.

As autumn begins to settle over the High Country, artists and crafters continue to turn up at the 46th season of Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park. One of the High Country’s premier arts and crafts events, Art in the Park continues this Saturday, September 12.

Featuring nearly 90 artists in media that ranges from wood turning to oil painting, the monthly show takes place at the American Legion grounds in downtown Blowing Rock from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission to the show is free, and a trolley runs from the Tanger Shopping Center or the Food Lion Shopping Center to take you downtown.

This month’s show will feature many Art in the Park favorites. Returning to the September show will be several of this year’s Art in the Park award winners, including Justine Ferreri, who has won several past awards with her whimsical sculptures. Last year’s September Award of Excellence winner, Nancy Strailey, is more than excited to be there again. Strailey is a unique colored pencil artist who draws based on 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.

Two photographers to note will be Greg Turco and Erik Dalahager, who both have won awards in the past and have unique and varied styles. Another Honorable Mention winner returning to the show is Susan Cowan-Welch, here for the first time in the 2009 season.  Cowan-Welch’s hand-dyed and quilted ladies’ clothing has been well received. The items include vests, ponchos, ruanas, coats, scarves and wall hangings.

A complete list of artists can be found online by clicking to www.blowingrock.com/artinthepark. 

Art in the Park in Blowing Rock has a history that dates from 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 U.S. 

Concert in the Park Sunday

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Sunday Concerts in the Park series will feature the Watauga Community Band this Sunday, September 13, at 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Park.

The Watauga County Community Band formed in 1986 as an all-volunteer concert band composed of community members and ASU staff and students. Under the direction of Dr. Charles Isley, the band first organized at Hardin Park School in Boone and held its first concert on February 8, 1987.

The community band represents a cross-section of Wataugans, including ASU music majors, current and retired music teachers, amateur musicians, retirees, public school children, professionals and many others. The band performs show tunes, marches and traditional pieces. For more info about the band, click to www.wataugaband.org  or call 828-297-1123.

For more information about Art in the Park or Concerts in the Park, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.

LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

LATEST COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS

TOP NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE