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Photo courtesy of Jo Ridge Kelley

Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge:
Burnsville Plein-Air Festival 


May 12 - 16, 2026
 
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Artist Jo Ridge Kelley

Spring in Burnsville is a magical time. Our trails are alive with the vibrant colors of so many wildflowers. Between trees, ferns, moss, and more, it’s impossible to document just how many shades of green can be found here. And the light – oh how the light brightens our historic square, highlighting so many intriguing architectural details. In other words, it’s an artist’s paradise.

 

Explore Burnsville and Toe River Crafts invite you to pack your paints and your passion and head to Burnsville for our inaugural spring Plein-Air festival.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: 

Tuesday, May 12

10 a.m – 2 p.m. – Stop by the registration area to stamp your canvas and learn more
about potential painting settings. Your paintbrushes will be privy to special locations unique to participating artists. 


5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Join your fellow painters for cocktails, conversation and carefully
curated appetizers.

Wednesday, May 13

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Painting demos on the town square from some of our favorite

local artists

Thursday, May 14 

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Optional workshop with Jo Ridge Kelley ($200 per person)

To register, email jo@jokelley.com

Friday, May 15

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Frame, deliver and hang canvases


5:30 – 8 p.m. – Dinner and art sale

Saturday, May 16

10 a.m. – noon – Quickdraw Paintout Competition on the Burnsville Square (1st prize: $350/ 2nd prize: $150)

Cost is $90/person and includes Tuesday cocktail reception and Friday evening dinner.

For more information, feel free to contact Sue Wasserman,

Yancey County TDA Director

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Where would you like to stay?

Before you start exploring your vast painting options, we want to make sure you're feeling creatively cozy. The choices are many and varied, whether an in-town hotel or nearby AirBnB or VRBO

 

Enjoy 10% off on your stay at the Terrell House while attending Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. To book:

  • Call the Terrell House Front Desk and mention you are attending  Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge — (828) 682-4505.

 

*Valid only 5/12/2026 - 5/16/26. Discount exclusively for registered attendees of Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. Proof of registration is required.

Enjoy 10% off on your stay at the Carolina Country Inn while attending Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. To book:

  • Call the Carolina Country Inn Front Desk and mention you are attending  Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge — (828) 682-4505.

 

*Valid only 5/12/2026 - 5/16/26. Discount exclusively for registered attendees of Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. Proof of registration is required.

Enjoy 10% off on your stay at the NuWray Hotel while attending Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. To book:

  • Call the NuWray Hotel Front Desk and mention you are attending  Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge — (828) 682-4505.

 

*Valid only 5/12/2026 - 5/16/26. Discount exclusively for registered attendees of Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge. Proof of registration is required.

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Visitor Center Address: 106 W Main Street, Burnsville, NC 28714

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