Abingdon serves as artistic backdrop for annual Plein Air Abingdon event

ABINGDON, Va. — The farms, valleys, streams and overall beauty of Abingdon will soon be captured through the annual Plein Air Abingdon event."The fall tapestry of Southwest Virginia is an artist's dream," said Deirdre Cole, executive producer of the Virginia Highlands Festival, in an emailed statement. "The colors and textures of our locations are specially selected to inspire both the artist to create and the art connoisseur to grow their collection."The event, set for Oct. 5-7, allows visitors to witness creativity at work while nationally acclaimed artists paint Abingdon's most eye-catching scenes. Guests will also have the opportunity to admire the art at pop-up galleries throughout the weekend.Outdoor painting venues with daily pop-up galleries include Alvarado Station, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards and the downtown Abingdon Historic District, the release said. Evening events include receptions with wine-tasting options at Abingdon Vineyards on Thursday, Oct. 5, The Tasting Room located at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards on Oct. 6 and an art show and celebration at William King Museum as the festival's culminating event on Saturday, Oct. 7.The event is designed to support local artists and businesses, cultivate time spent outdoors and provide ample shopping opportunities to take home local artwork, the release said — all in picturesque Southwest Virginia."Abingdon Plein Air is everything an artist could want," said George Van Hook, the event's 2022 Best in Show recipient, "a stunning landscape and a wonderful small-town feel coupled with a world-class presentation."Plein Air Abingdon is part of the Virginia Highlands Festival, which has offered arts and culture in Abingdon for the past 74 years. The festival is held each summer, offering a range of events from live music and vintage arts and crafts to tours through local iconic sites like the Martha Washington Inn and Nicewonder Vineyards.For more information on Plein Air Abingdon or the Virginia Highlands Festival, go to www.vahighlandsfestival.com.Day OneThursday, Oct. 5 – Abingdon Vineyards pop-up gallery – 5:15 to 7:00pmArtists gather at the quaint Alvarado Station to pick their spot with the South Fork of the Holston River and the Creeper Trail framing their view (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to witness art in action). There will also be a free pop-up gallery and reception featuring the day's work of over 35 artists at Abingdon Vineyards. Abingdon Vineyards tends to 13 acres of vines planted with nine different grape varietals striving to create smooth, balanced, world-class wines. The Vineyards' tasting room will be open and light fare provided.Day TwoFriday, Oct. 6 – The Tasting Room at Nicewonder Farm pop-up gallery – 5:15 to 7 p.m.Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards hosts day two for artists to capture vineyards, mountains, and the morning glory of the Blue Ridge (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to witness art in action). Gather for the second round pop-up gallery with free admission and light reception (wine not included) provided at The Tasting Room located on the Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting of their five varietals (Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cab Franc) paired with the crisp mountain air, charcuterie and vineyard storytellingDay ThreeSaturday, Oct. 7 – William King Museum of ArtGrand Finale Juried Art Gallery & Sale (includes Day 3 quick draw creations of historical Abingdon)VIP access – 5 to 6:15 p.m. – $25This is an exclusive opportunity to purchase from the Finale Juried Show reflecting three days of plein air creations from our visiting artists. Enjoy a wine reception & hors d'oeuvres from local award winning eateries.Meet and greet with the artists as well as the juror, Peggy Root.To reserve your VIP ticket, go to https://bit.ly/PleinAirAbingdonGrandFinaleSaleGeneral Public – 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. – free admission Light refreshments provided.For Artist Registration: www.pleinairabingdon.com