Who's Who of 2021

Who's Who 2021

Plein Air New Bern 2021 seemed to appear out of the blue May 10-16, but that is far from the truth. There have been many twists and turns since it was an idea discussed at a neighborhood dinner party in 2018. Many hands were a part of its development throughout 2019 and 2020 when the momentum going into May 2020 was stopped dead in its tracks due to Covid. Postponements in May 2020 and again in October 2020 were followed by a precarious time in our world due to the pandemic. In early 2021, with NC still in phase III of Covid restrictions, it was clear that the plans for a gala and grand inside exhibition at the Bank of the Arts were not in the cards for 2021,

But what we did have was a roster of 22 committed nationally acclaimed artists willing to move cautiously towards May 2021 in hopes that the timing would allow a full physical event . With the repurposing of the outdoor venue of the New Bern Farmers Market for the main exhibition gallery and the decision to inch forward with the agreement that if a safe and secure event was impossible, the event would go completely online May 1, the event finally took shape in a new form.

Lady Luck was indeed on our side as the tide started turning with the introduction of the Covid vaccine and a better understanding of how we as individuals and a community could be together in a safe and secure manner.

So, with a thankful and grateful heart it is my pleasure to share with you the Who's Who of Plein Air New Bern 2021. With their support in 2021, 2022 is already being planned with the new non-profit designation of a 501(c)3, a solid financial base, and an expanded list of donors, volunteers and supporters from around the nation.

Thank you to everyone who shared the vision of how this event could happen and rolled up their sleeve to make it so.

Kippy Hammond
Host Artist & 2021 Event Coordinator

PS A personal thanks to Jerome, Laura, Judy, and Mark for keeping me true, motivated and sane.

Kippy Hammond Host Artist & 2021 Coordinator

Mary Ann & Ed Koffenberger - Title Award Sponsor

Ed & Mary Ann Koffenberger

Title Award Sponsors

Many citizens know Ed as a staff member of Epiphany School and along with Mary Ann as co-pastors of the Broad Street Christian Church. Due to their generous financial contribution, all the awards and hard costs of the 2021 event were covered. When asked the reason for their generosity, Ed simply said "It was the right thing to do and I believe this event will have a huge impact on our community and I wanted to be a part from the first"

Jamie & Michael Hammond

Monet Sponsor

Jamie and Michael supplied staffing from Professional Farm Services of Greenville NC for tasks as varied as locating and transporting display pallets, printing supplies and couriers services. From hammers to nails, labels, pens, tape, s-hooks, card readers and every miscellaneous gallery expense for the exhibition, even the smallest needs were met.

Ann Dodys

Exhibition Gallery Sales Co-ordinator

Ann, an exceptional artist in her own right, has been a vital part of the project since 2018 and is one of the non-profit organizers. Originally the workshop coordinator, Ann graciously shifted responsibilities to the gallery exhibition and sales for this inaugural event. Thanks to her expertise, she was instrumental in making the gallery marketing efforts a huge success.

AnnaLee Ash

Exhibition Gallery Staff

.AnnaLee came to us as a gift from the heavens, lending her hand to helping secure hosting families, managing the artists' inventory and being a formidable artists representative, boosting sales to an unexpected level. We are fortunate to have her remain on our team moving into 2022.

Kate Hannan

Monet Sponsor & Hospitality

Kate moved to New Bern in 2020 and jumped into helping with Plein Air New Bern in the Hospitality component of the event. Along with assisting with hosting, and furnishing meals for the orientation and closing events, we can't thank her enough for planning and caring for our beautiful display of nature along with the paintings. Kate will continue to serve in the Plein Air New Bern organization for 2022.

Hosts

Hospitality

One of the most enjoyable aspects of events like Plein Air New Bern, is the hosting of artists during their stay. 2021 presented a very special situation with the world coming out of the grips of a pandemic, but with the availability of the vaccines in just the right time, Plein Air New Bern's hosts and artists were able to continue this tradition. We extend our biggest thanks to these hosts that opened their home to our visiting artists: Mark Ulrey, Mary Jane & Richard Pino, Joanne Freidman, Virginia Spencer, Mary Ann & Ed Koffenberger, Kumi Anzalone & Terrance Barkan, John and Katherine Haroldson, Audrey & Charles Cushman, Kippy Hammond, Mary & Steve Kotrch, Janet & Vance Hikes, Pat & Don Eglinton, Bev & Bud Ellis, and Linda & Dave Stout

Laura Ganzero

Social Media & Marketing

A double blessing came with Laura Ganzero, not only did she perform behind the scene life saving acts for the staff during the event, but she has picked up the reins of our social media and marketing campaigns. Starting after the 2021 event with our Online Exhibition, she is positioning Plein Air New Bern on the national stage through social media and traditional marketing channels; giving the event and the artists the exposure they deserve leading into 2022.

Lappin Hammond

2owls Software Engineering

Lappin Hammond

One of the most thrilling moments of the week was when we were notified by the App Store that the En Plein Air Artist Locator App was in the online store for public download, making Plein Air New Bern the first event in the national rollout for this app. With a free download, the public was able to locate each artist through the interactive map showing the artists' locations in real time. Shelby Keefe won the honors of being the first artist to sign in for this game changing app.

Bud Ellis

Display & Hanging Crew

Bud jumped in unfazed with the pile of mismatched pallets gathered to make displays....he gathered together his own team of volunteers and created the coolest displays out of a mystery of materials, became every artist's best friend in making the displays work and magically was there whenever we desperately needed him . All that, then helped break it all down. Couldn't have done it without him, or any of his formidable team: Dave Carr, Bill Wyatt, Armando Gonzalez Jr, Armando Gonzalez III & Blake Grant

CCPAP

Artist Buddies & Orientation

Susan Cheatham, coordinator of the Coastal Carolina Plein Air Painters, for Craven, Pamlico, and Cartaret Counties was joined by members Susan Henry, Eleanor McAver, Audrey Cushman, and GeeVee Myers to help our featured artists orient themselves quickly to the region. Demonstrations went smoothly with the help of the CCPAP painters. This organization is a warm and inviting group of painters meeting throughout the year on a weekly basis.....join in the fun and paint along with them each Tuesday.

Andi Reese

Graphics and Publicity

Andi helped review, edit and rewrite stacks of 2020 documents, website, advertising, and press releases for the newly envisioned 2021 event. Having a great eye for editing, Plein Air New Bern was able to maintain much of the work done since 2018, while giving a fresh look and a comforting, informative approach to public safety surrounding the event.

Craven County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals

Competition Exhibition Setup and Breakdown

Just when you need them!! This young group signed up to assist in the setting up and breaking down of the final competition exhibit. A task that couldn't have been more timely or appreciated. We look forward to having this association grow along with our organization.

Pine Cone Home & Garden

Exhibition Gallery Foliage

Transforming the Farmers Market into a beautiful Exhibition Gallery would not have been possible without the gorgeous trees and plants that Daniel Patterson and his team delivered for us. A truly lovely transformation!!!!