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.
