Floyd Center for the Arts kicks off fifth Plein Air Biennial; Events continue all week
One artist explained that he participates in plein air events all over the country because "it's a great way to get out there, travel, see the country, meet other painters and patrons, and just (experience) the community at large. I just love it.”
Earlier this week, Floyd Times caught up with artists painting outdoors as a part of the Floyd Center of the Arts' Plein Air Biennial.
Artist Leo Stafsnes. Photo by Tanja Harmon
Artist Leo Stafsnes arrived in Roanoke from Portland, Oregon, on Monday and by 3 p.m. his painting at Floyd EcoVillage was almost completed. Stafsnes plans on being in Floyd until Sept. 22 and will be attending the FCA Gala on Sept. 19.
Stafsnes explained that he participates in plein air events all over the country because "it's a great way to get out there, travel, see the country, meet other painters and patrons, and just (experience) the community at large. I just love it.”
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Coakley Brown, as artist from Richmond was also found at the EcoVillage, painting a whimsical field of coneflowers. Brown said that before starting plein air competitions she was a science teacher. "So, I love nature, and observation is so important in both science and art," she said.
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Brown started painting plein air in 2016, and she first participated in the Floyd Plein Air Biennial in 2019. "I just love sitting out here and listening to the birds and getting all the soaking up nature that I can do," said Brown. “Plus, it's a lot easier to see magical things that happen with light and color when it's live rather than from photographs.”
To join in this week's biennial celebration, visit www.floydartcenter.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, Sept. 17
Paint the River Property (2900 Floyd Highway North, Floyd) & Honeypot Farm (4366 Floyd Highway North, Floyd)
Artists spend the day painting two scenic locations north of the Town of Floyd, featuring river views, rolling farmland, distant mountains, and the rural landscapes of Floyd County.
Plein Air Soirée — 6-8 p.m. (Ticket or Patron Pass required.)
Floyd EcoVillage & Event Center | 188 EcoVillage Trail, Floyd
Enjoy a festive private gathering and dinner with participating artists, patrons, and volunteers at the Floyd EcoVillage Event Center. The evening will also feature an exclusive Small Art Sale benefiting the Floyd Center for the Arts Education Program.
Friday, Sept. 18
Paint the Town of Floyd (Downtown)
Watch artists capture the charm of downtown Floyd and many of the community's most recognizable landmarks.
Free Painting Demonstration with Festival Judge Deliece Blanchard — 1 p.m.
Floyd Center for the Arts | 220 Parkway Lane South, Floyd
Join Festival Judge Deliece Blanchard at the Floyd Center for the Arts as she demonstrates her painting techniques and shares insight into her plein air process. Free and open to the public.
Friday Night Quick Draw | 6-9 p.m.
The Floyd Country Store | 206 South Locust Street, Floyd
During the Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree, participating artists will have just three hours to create a painting from start to finish. Competition artists will be joined by participating non-competition artists, with awards presented during Saturday's Gala.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Gala & Celebration Day
Floyd Center for the Arts |220 Parkway Lane South, Floyd
Celebrate the culmination of the fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial with a full day of art and special events at the Floyd Center for the Arts.
Free Painting Demonstration with Joli Ayn Wood | 10 a.m.
Join Festival Chair and plein air painter Joli Ayn Wood for a special outdoor painting demonstration at the Floyd Center for the Arts. Free and open to the public.
Quick Draw Exhibition
See paintings created during Friday night's Quick Draw, featuring both competition and non-competition artists. All artwork will be available for purchase.
Collectors Preview | 5-6 p.m. (Ticket or Patron Pass required.)
Enjoy exclusive early access to view and purchase paintings created during Biennial Week and mingle with participating artists before the public Gala.
Public Plein Air Gala & Celebration | 6-9 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate the conclusion of the fifth Floyd Plein Air Biennial. Meet the artists, view and purchase original paintings created throughout the week, and enjoy the Festival Awards Presentation at 7:30 p.m. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, with a cash bar benefiting the Floyd Center for the Arts.
