Join the downtown Brevard art community and visitors to the beauty of Transylvania County Monday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 19 for a week-long celebration of live painting, local landmarks, and creative energy right during the sixth-annual Brevard Plein Air Festival.
The phrase “plein air” means “painting outside,” and throughout this week 29 artists will set up their easels across Transylvania County to capture how they see everything from sweeping mountain views, raging waterfalls, and other iconic local landmarks in their unique perspectives.
Visiting artists have been seen setting up on downtown sidewalks and around the corner from downtown businesses during painting onsite as they were inspired by some of the places we know and love in the land of the waterfalls.
“Brevard Plein Air began during COVID as a creative way to bring people together safely through art. Six years later, it has grown into one of Heart of Brevard’s signature events, welcoming artists from across the country while celebrating the beauty and creative spirit of our community,” explained Heart of Brevard downtown business district Executive Director Nicole Bentley. “Its growth reflects how deeply people value the arts and the important role artists play in making Brevard such a special place.”
View the entire festival schedule here, but below are some important highlights:
- Thursday | Quick Draw | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Artists will spread out throughout the Heart of Brevard and have just two hours to create a finished piece of art. - Friday | Patrons Preview Party | 5:30 p.m.
Get the first look at finished works from the week, meet the artists, and have the first opportunity to purchase artwork before Saturday’s Wet Paint Sale. Tickets are available here. - Saturday | Brevard Plein Air Street Festival | 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
The week culminates with a street festival featuring the wet paint sale, artists, vendors and live music along West Main Street, West Jordan Street, and Times Arcade Alley. See information below on Saturday street closures. - Saturday Street Closures | 6 a.m.–approximately 7 p.m.
West Main Street, West Jordan Street, and Times Arcade Alley will be closed to vehicular traffic during this time. The closure also includes the parking areas within Times Arcade Alley.
Patrons Preview Party
Artwork from the week debuts Friday, Sept. 18 with a ticketed patrons’ preview party at Brevard’s Historical Trust Center where the artists and those who support their interpretations will enjoy viewing their original images together for the first time.
“The Patrons Preview Party is more than a first look at the festival’s artwork. It is an opportunity to meet the artists, purchase work you love and directly support a strong and thriving arts community in Brevard,” Bentley added. “We hope our past patrons and new guests will join us for this special evening and help us continue building opportunities for artists throughout our community.”
Downtown Saturday Street Closures
The following downtown streets will close to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, for the last day of Heart of Brevard’s Plein Air Festival:
- West Broad Street (Broad to Caldwell)
- West Jordan Street (Broad to Caldwell)
- Times Arcade Alley
For more information about the Brevard Plein Air Festival, visit the Heart of Brevard.