Frost to Flame: Burnsville Winter Glassblowing Gathering
Watch the region's best glass blowers and take the opportunity to blow your own piece of glass.
Feb. 27 - 28, 2026
Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge:
Burnsville Plein-Air Festival
Take out your paintbrushes and sense of adventure for Burnsville's inaugural Plein-Air Festival.
May 12 - 16, 2026

Photo courtesy of Jo Ridge Kelley
Brushstrokes in the Blue Ridge:
Burnsville Plein-Air Festival
May 12 - 16, 2026



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,



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.



