Gaining Popularity...painting en plein air

 

Lisa Bisbee painting Baxter's Building

 


Painter Chris Wagner

 

Painter Lee Hood



Downtown New Bern’s development as a cultural arts center with galleries, museums, a theater, artwalks and other cultural events is attracting entrepreneurs/artists in growing numbers.  Gaining in popularity are artists gathering downtown to paint en plein air,  a French expression for painting “in the open air”.

Lisa Bisbee, a local artist/entrepreneur has been an ambassador for our downtown and for painting en plein air since she moved here a year or so ago. Every Saturday morning she sets up her easel on the sidewalk in front of New Bern ArtWorks & Co. on Pollock Street. As she sketches and paints, she engages visitors and residents in conversations about her work, downtown happenings, where they are from, places to go and things to see and do.  She said it is amazing how many visitors she meets from all across the country and foreign countries. 



Painter Lisa Bisbee
Photo by Robert Hennon



Lisa Bisbee's Artwork

Her enthusiasm has set the tone. More and more artists are joining her and adding to the ambiance and sense of place by setting up their easels every Saturday morning.

An invitation is extended to all artists who want to participate in this Saturday morning 10 a.m. – noon, downtown happening, painting  street scenes and chatting with the public.   It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s a great way to meet fellow artists, showcase your talents and meet interesting people.…just bring sketchbooks, watercolors or pigments of choice and gather on the 300 block of  Pollock and corner of Pollock Street and Middle Street. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning and enhance the culture of downtown New Bern.

For more information, call Craven Arts Council at 252-638-2577. 

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director