Submitted by Phyllis Steimel

The NC Open Plein Air Paint Out has come to an end but the splendor of Rowan County was evident at the NC Open Plein Air Show August 15 at the F&M Trolley Barn.
Sixty five artists came from all over North Carolina and as far away as Indiana and Florida. The comments heard were no surprise. “There is so much here that I could paint daily and barely scratch the surface! I will return.” Rowan has so much to offer.” “Twenty artists could set up at one farm and find twenty different things to paint.” “There is such a variety, from the Bullhole to Dunn’s Mountain to Morgan Ridge Vineyards, Kerr Mill, Downtown, etc….it is hard to decide where to begin.”
The winners were Aaron Johnson of Jonesville, First Place, with his watercolor painting “Mt. Ulla.” Second place was won by Scott Boyle of Bessemer City with his oil painting “Engine 542 at the Roundhouse.” Third place was achieved by Larry Rudalech of Hanover, Ind. with his oil painting of “The Depot.”
Our steering committee wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the Waterworks Visual Arts Center, F&M Bank and the many donors and sponsors who made this special event happen.
John Ebersberger of Annapolis, Md. conducted a painting Workshop for three days and was the judge for the Plein Air Show. His reputation, knowledge and expertise as a teacher attracted artists from distant places and filled the class almost five months before the event.
It is easy to lose sight of the special qualities of the county we call home. What a joy it is to see visitors, in this case artists, visit and discover the diversity, energy and beauty of this region.
Take another look! Salisbury and Rowan County are exceptional!