Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park starts Saturday

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 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.

“I’m really looking forward to the first show on May 16,” show coordinator Stephanie Keener said. “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 there 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.

From the earliest drawing on cave walls, human being have studied animals and included them in their art. Strailey sees herself as part of the continuation of humanity’s 300,000 year tradition of animal and cultural-image makers, an attitude that is clear from the images in her work. Strailey will be returning in August, September and October, as well.

Another award winner from October 2008 will be back with her whimsical sculpture. Susan Crouch will also be there with her creative watercolors, and Rick Murray and Steve Noggle with fine turned wood. Favorites like Teresa Pennington (drawing) and Marcus Thomas (painting) will also be there.  The May show is a great time for locals to visit and shop. 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 does illumination on papyrus paper. 

Later in the season will find favorites, such as jewelry maker Bill Lehnert, printmaker Janet Warner and glass artist Judson Guerard, alongside newcomers to the show.  Of course, there are many others, each with their own unique art and individualism. Some artists will be present at every show, others only at one or two, making every Art in the Park a new experience. 

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce provides free shuttles throughout the day.  Just park your car at Tanger Outlet Center or the Food Lion Grocery on U.S. 321 bypass, and hop on the shuttle, which will bring you right 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dates for this year’s shows are May 16, June 13, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 12 and Oct. 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 right on Main Street. For those who also enjoy music, the Lonesome River Band will be at the Hayes Center May 16, and the 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.