Plein Air New Bern is an event to showcase the beauty, history, and unique qualities of New Bern, NC through the timeless and elegant medium of plein air painting. Twenty five artists will be invited to stay in New Bern for a six day painting competition with juried awards and sales opportunities, culminating in a Collector’s Sale and Gala.
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This inaugural event will take place MAY 10-16, 2021, and will offer artists numerous breathtaking locations to complete original works. Artists’ daily completed works will be displayed at the New Bern Farmer's Market

The Jurors

Nancy Tankersley
​Artist Juror

​Active in the current plein air movement, and a founder of Plein Air Easton, Nancy Tankersley travels worldwide participating in competitions, judging and teaching. In 2018 she was invited to be an instructor and demonstrator at the Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe and released her first instructional video with Lilliedahl Videos. Recent honors include Best of Show at Parrsboro, Nova Scotia International Plein Air 2018, and Best of Show at the Lighthouse Plein Air Festival 2017.

Torrey Green Stroud
​Awards Judge

Torrey Green Stroud began her 36 year career as a gallery owner in New Bern, North Carolina, as a partner of City Art Gallery which was located in a mid-20th century car dealership directly across the street from the Farmers Market, the site of Plein Air New Bern.  Serving as a board member of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery, and member of the exhibits committee, Stroud subsequently founded City Art Gallery with several other committee members.  After twelve years, Stroud acquired the gallery, moving it to Greenville, North Carolina, where she represents established regional and national artists and craftspeople.  

Kippy Hammond
Inviting Host Artist

Experienced in organizing community projects supporting the arts, Kippy Hammond is lending a hand in planning the inaugural Plein Air New Bern event. Living in France since 1998, is the director of La Bonne Etoile Artist Retreat, a working studio/retreat at her home in France. She has shared her time between the artist retreat and New Bern, NC since 2015. Exhibiting in France, Italy, Russia, Taiwan, Curacao and throughout the United States, she is a signature member of excellence of the Pastel Society of America and the Southeastern Pastel Society. 
 

A Variety of Locations

Tryon Palace
Historic Downtown
Union Point Park & Marinas
Palace & Local Gardens
The first capital of North Carolina and sitting at the junction of two rivers, New Bern offers a variety of beautiful locations to inspire plein air artists of all types and styles. Settings include waterfront and dock, eight blocks of historic downtown, three historic homes districts, Tryon Palace and Gardens, and much much more.