by Dawn Russell | Jun 19, 2020 | News & Events
Presenting the First Place Winner of the 2020 En Plein Air Paint-Off: Jermaine Powell of JP Jermaine Powell Art Brand.
When the pandemic forced the Fuquay-Varina Community Library to close, Jermaine and his children missed their frequent visits to get books. As we imagined what the Paint-Off event would look like if artists were unable to paint street scenes in downtown, we thought of other locations around town that would be of interest to an artist to paint at home from a photo we could send. When we sent artists the list of possibilities, Jermaine responded within minutes…excited at the opportunity to paint a spot that means so much to his family. He visited the library with his two youngest volunteers, enjoying books in a different, but very special way that will always be a reminder of the times we were in.
The painting is currently displayed at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center for public viewing as part of the En Plein Air Art Walk & Auction – FVDowntown. It will be available to bid on beginning Thursday, July 16th. A public art canvas will be installed on a downtown building and prints available for purchase.
Jermaine is a past Paint-Off participant and painted at Falcon Park last year. You can purchase prints of the ball game at our Love Local store at www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com
We are forever thankful to Jermaine and the artists that helped us rewrite the story of the 2020 Paint-Off.
Auction Website
by Dawn Russell | Jun 19, 2020 | News & Events
Presenting the Second Place Winner of the 2020 En Plein Air Paint-Off: Lyudmila Lucy Tomova!
“Horses!” “Are there horses at the barn? I would love to paint that! Could I go there and take pictures?” Lyudmila could hardly contain her excitement to be part of the event, much less paint one of her favorite subjects. One of the paintings she submitted to the jury was of several colorful horses. The infamous rescue horses at the Starry Night Barn on James Slaughter Road would become her subjects. Lyudmila connected with the owner and arranged a visit during a riding lesson.
The painting is currently displayed at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center for public viewing as part of the En Plein Air Art Walk & Auction – FVDowntown. It will be available to bid on beginning Thursday, July 16th. A public art canvas will be installed on a downtown building and prints available for purchase.
Lyudmila is a past winning Paint-Off participant including a patio scene that was selected as one of the downtown banners for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. She recently painted a scene of the mural on Tsuru Sweets & Coffee and had several firefighters pose with a truck for a painting the year before that. You never know what an artist will be inspired by ; ) Both works will be made into public art canvases and installed. You can purchase prints at our Love Local store www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com.
by Dawn Russell | Jun 19, 2020 | News & Events
Presenting the Third Place Winner of the 2020 En Plein Air Paint-Off: Tonia Gebhart – The Barefoot Artist.
In the midst of the stay at home order, Tonia began a host of landscaping projects. Garden Hut was her first choice of the locations proposed to artists, noting “it’s my favorite place!” Visiting with artists as they paint in downtown is one of our favorite parts of the event. Watching the blooms come to life as she joined us live on Instagram was a delight.
The painting is currently displayed at the Town of Fuquay-Varina for public viewing as part of the En Plein Air Art Walk & Auction – FVDowntown. Bidding begins Thursday, July 16th. A public art canvas will be installed on a downtown building and prints will be available for purchase.
Tonia is a past Paint-Off winner. You see her painting of Mack, the FVFD vintage fire truck installed as public art on the side of Chocolate Fix. A few years ago, she painted a beautiful scene at Flowers on Broad Street. That public art canvas has been retired, but prints of Tonia’s work can be found on our Love Local store at www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com. Nelsa, we can’t wait to have a view of the Garden Hut in downtown!
Auction Website
