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Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park This Saturday

Story by Corinne Saunders Abstract steel sculpture by Michael Baker will be on display this Saturday at Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park. Each show features some new and some returning artists, making every one a unique art experience. Photos courtesy of Stephanie Keener

Blowing Rock’s next Art in the Park will be held at American Legion Grounds on Saturday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce organizes the event and provides free shuttles between the park and the Tanger Outlet Center or Food Lion—designated parking areas for the event.

Now in its 46th year, the award-winning Art in the Park series features local talent and also attracts artists from all over the eastern United States. The show traces its history to the 1960s when artists from the village and nearby would come to the park and display and sell their work.

“It’s one of the better shows around,” said Stephanie Keener, Membership Services director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

She encourages people to come to the show and view and buy one-of-a-kind items crafted in a multitude of media.

Saturday’s Art in the Park will feature the work of 100 juried artisans—a mix of well-established artists and newcomers to the show—with pieces in metal, fiber, watercolor and oil painting, wood, photography, basketry, jewelry, clay, glass and more.

Last year’s July Award of Excellence winners, Rick and Iris Austin, will return to the show this month. Their handmade jewelry incorporates unusual stones such as meteorites, fossilized ammonite and brilliant opal.

Pottery by Jody Temple will be on display at this Saturday’s Art in the Park in Blowing Rock from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Michael Baker will bring his abstract steel sculptures to both the July 19 and August 16 shows. Baker’s work is inspired by geometric shapes and architecture, and both individuals and corporations collect it.

Favorites such as jewelry maker Bill Lehnert, printmaker Janet Warner, painter Marcus Thomas and glass artist Judson Guerard will also display their work Saturday, along with first-time-at-the-show artists, including Jenny Lou Sherbourne, a North Carolina potter, and Richard Wiegand, a Virginia furniture maker.

After Saturday, this year’s remaining Art in the Park dates are August 16, September 13 and October 4.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.

Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: American Legion Grounds
Cost: Free