The Floyd Plein Air Festival is an exciting new event that grew from the success of 2016’s Plein Air Crush in Floyd, Virginia. Featuring paint-outs at Apple Ridge Farm, the Chateau Morrisette Winery, and the Blue Ridge Parkway — could you expect anything other than greatness?
Born from the success of Plein Air Crush in Floyd, Virginia, 2017’s Floyd Plein Air Festival was sure to be quite the draw. The week-long event, hosted from August 14 through August 19, featured a number of attractive events and paint-outs, including a Farm to Table Dinner sponsored by Riverstone Organic Farm, a special nocturne event at Floyd’s Artisan Market, a Quick Paint competition, and a gala awards reception.
This year, well-known painter Valerie Craig was charged with the task of judging, awarding several honors that came with ribbons and cash awards. Sponsored by PleinAir magazine, the Best in Week Platinum Award was handed to Kyle Buckland for his gorgeous work titled “A Quiet Night on the Town.” Jeremy Sams’ “Vaughan’s Mill” was the Gold Award winner; Thomas Bradshaw’s “The Hangout” took the Silver Award; and ascending painter Kathleen Hudson won the Bronze Award for “Morning Shroud.”
Artist Maria Reardon had the Best Farm Scene in 2017 for a lovely work titled “Winding Road.” The Best Night Scene was Ken Smith’s “Floyd Friday Night,” and the Best Local Artist was Arlene Daniel for her painting “Into the Light.” Joanna Barnum was this year’s Quick Paint winner for “Good Impression.” Finally, three Honorable Mention awards were taken by Peg Sheridan’s “Parkway Peace,” Nancy Brittle’s “Mr. Lewis’ Rooftops,” and Paul Keysar’s “Jane’s Apple Tree.”
Learn more by visiting the Floyd Center for the Arts.
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