In late September, Valdese will be an inspiration for painters from across the region, as they converge on the town to take part in the Rock School Arts Foundation’s (RSAF) annual Plein Air Festival. The weekend event will result in a collection of artwork highlighting the beauty of the area.
The Valdese Plein Air Fest 2025 will be held Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21. Artists are required to use canvases specially marked for the event, and they must work quickly. The plein air works, some still sporting wet paint, will be auctioned off on Sunday evening.
Pronounced “plehn air,” the French term translates to “open air,” and refers to the act of creating art, particularly painting, outdoors, rather than in a studio. RSAF Executive Director Sharon Bowman said the contest allows downtown Valdese to shine.
Artists who wish to participate in the judging and wet sale must have their canvases stamped at the Old Rock School on Friday, Sept. 19, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Only stamped canvases will be admitted for judging and sale. The registration fee is $35 per participant, and applications can be completed online at rockschoolartgalleries.com or valdesepleinairfest.com.
This event features prize money for first, second, and third places, as well as a People’s Choice award.
The Plein Air Festival, celebrating its third year, draws participants from in and out-of-state.
Sandra Wilkerson Queen is the arts & entertainment editor. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2002, orsandra@thepaper.media.
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