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!