Painting en Plein Air > Artists in Virginia were to “lean in and get creative” as they painted their way into the uncertain weather week.
Learning the Art of the Pivot in Floyd
Submitted by Joli Ayn Wood, Chair, Floyd Plein Air Biennial
Artists, planners, and patrons of the 4th Floyd Plein Air Biennial recently learned quickly “The Art of the Pivot,” traversing a festival week filled with weather-induced exhaustion and improvisation. Organized by The Floyd Center for the Arts, 35 artists arrived to the unique and rural mountain town of Floyd, Virginia on Sunday, September 22, immediately striking out to paint on what would be the only sunny, dry day of the week. At Monday night’s kickoff Meet-the-Artist Reception, Event Chairperson Joli Ayn Wood encouraged artists to “lean in and get creative” as they painted their way into the uncertain weather week.
From mountain overlooks to rivers, farmsteads to the funky town of Floyd, artists kept calm and painted on while weather deteriorated gradually day after day, and Hurricane Helene inched closer. Making landfall Thursday overnight and into Friday, the storm roared with high winds and several inches of rain, overrunning streams and streets, causing widespread flooding, downed trees, power outages, and limited cellular service to most of the region.
Pivoting to protect artists and onlookers, the event organizers voted to cancel Friday’s Quick Draw event scheduled that evening, yet the biggest challenge of the week lay before them – Saturday’s Gala. The art center, as with most of the county, was without power. The local power company’s estimate for service restoration was late Sunday into Monday. Organizers delayed art check-in as they searched for options, and the artists kept painting undercover as well as in their host homes, making the most of their surroundings.
Late Friday, as the clouds bands of Helene left over a sunsetting sky, a phone call was received offering hope. A long time Center patron offered to open their home to the Gala event’s artists, patrons, and public attendees. Over breakfast Saturday at the home of Dennis and Suzie Ross, plans were made to move the event. Communications needed to go out, food needed to be made, art needed to be checked in and set in place, and most everyone was in desperate need of a shower. PIVOT!
In a matter of hours, the Ross home came alive with artist painting displays. Stress from the week turned into a joyous community occasion, with artists recognized for their evocative paintings. Festival judge Laura McManus, of the nearby Maier Museum of Art, commented on the fortitude and grace of the artists, and their work resulting from such a challenging week.
4th Floyd Plein Air Biennial Winners
1st Place was awarded to Rajendra KC for his watercolor “Downtown Floyd, Rainy Day,” reflecting the mood of the week perfectly. 2nd Place went to William Hendricks for his painting “Pigg River,” and Leo Stafsnes took 3rd Place for his painting “Inside Out.”
Other awards included Best Oil/Acrylic to Lyudmila Tomova, Honorable Mention Oil/Acrylic to Natalia Andreeva, Best Pastel to Alex Eisenzopf, Best Watermedia to David Finnell, the Spirit of Floyd Award to Beth-Ann Wilson, and the Wood Memorial Heritage Award to oil painter Jennifer Young.
It was not until connection was reestablished to surrounding communities that the tragedy and severe impact* caused by Hurricane Helene to the Appalachian region was realized. Artists along with organizers send their deepest condolences and hope for recovery to their neighbors in affected states. The Floyd Center of the Arts also extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the festival.
*Editor’s Note: Click here to learn ways to help residents and artists in the affected areas.
Thank you to: Event Chair, Joli Ayn Wood, and Judge Laura McManus. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, hosts, dedicated patrons and board members who all played crucial roles in bringing this week to a successful close. To the talented artists who visited and transformed a very wet week into stunning works of art, we appreciate your creativity and resilience. Thank you to sponsors and supporters Clark Gas & Oil, Floyd Express Market, Phoebe Needles Center, Blue Ridge Florist & Gifts, Finn Graphics Inc., Art Supplies Wholesale, BluePrint Wealth Management, Strawberry Hill Homestay, Golden Artist Colors, Dixon Ticonderoga, Ampersand, QOR Artist Watercolors, Williamsburg Artist Oil Colors, Guerilla Painter, Pan Pastel Artist Pastels, and Judson’s Art Outfitters, Pantoufle’s Bistro, the Wood Family, and the Ross Family.
Learn more about the Floyd Plein Air Biennial at www.floydartcenter.org/plein-air.
