Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center

Join us for an Art Talk on October 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM as Laura C. Martin presents “Endangered Plants of the Southeast: Stories of Persistence and Hope.” Using a unique blend of original watercolor art, southern storytelling, and scientific research, botanist, artist and author Laura C. Martin introduces audiences to some of the rarest and most vulnerable plant species of the southeastern United States. During her presentation, illustrated with original watercolor paintings from her forthcoming book and explores the story of plant conservation in the American South, including both the origin of the problem, ongoing challenges of decline and the inspiring recovery efforts that offer hope for the future. Learn more: https://brmaa.org/event-item/lecture-endangered-plants/

First Place went to Lydia Ellis for her painting “Pumpkin Promenade.” Judge Marsha Hamby Savage (R) presented the award to Lydia (L) at The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s annual Plein Air International Paint-out Weekend 2026. Congrats, Lydia!

Want to capture the evergreens and rolling mountains sprinkled with flowers and pressed against a blue sky to create your own beautiful pastel landscape? Join us on September 27, 2026, for “The Pastel Landscape,” a workshop with instructor Suzanne DesLauriers. Students will paint an underpainting to serve as the backdrop for the piece. Then, students will take the techniques that they have learned and will add finishing touches in soft pastel. Learn more and Register Here: https://brmaa.org/pastel-landscape-sept-27

Common Threads – A Textile Arts Exhibition, our 2026 Quilt & Fiber Arts Exhibit, is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA or Art Center) and promotes the talent and design of quilt and fiber artists. Each artist may enter up to three (3) pieces of artwork.

Eligibility: Original artworks of traditional or non-traditional quilts and unique fiber arts. Heirloom-quality quilts may be submitted. Commercially manufactured quilts will not be accepted. Each artist may enter up to three (3) pieces of artwork. All artwork must be “for sale” –only heirloom quilts may be marked “not for sale” or “NFS”. All quilts must include a minimum of a 2” inch pocket for gallery hanging. Please complete the entry description for each entry, noting if the artwork is specifically a quilt, fiber art, or clothing. Learn more and enter here: https://brmaa.org/event-item/2026-common-threads-prospectus/

2nd Place went to Daniel Wornicov for his painting “Blue Ridge Rain.” Judge Marsha Hamby Savage (L) presented the award to Daniel (R) at The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s annual Plein Air International Paint-out Weekend 2026. Congrats, Daniel!

Join multi-media artist Jan Carney on September 26, 2026, in the workshop “Woodburning a Gourd Birdhouse.” Jan teaches the ins and outs of woodburning and decorating a gourd birdhouse, and how to seal it for extended outdoor use. This course allows you to get creative with the designs, providing flexibility in the decoration of the birdhouse. Students will leave with a completed gourd birdhouse. Learn more and Register Here… https://brmaa.org/woodburning-gourd-sept-26/

Join Instructor Lenzy Griffin Bond for an upcoming series of Stained Glass Workshops. Students will be using the copper foil method to learn the process of stained-glass art and take home their artwork. The following classes will be offered:
Autumn Leaves: Stained Glass Workshop – October 24, 2026
Holiday Ornaments: Stained Glass Workshop – November 7, 2026
Let It Snow: Stained Glass Workshop – December 5, 2026
Learn more about each class and register: https://brmaa.org/category/find-a-class/class-stained-glass/

Third Place went to Lila McAlpin for her painting “Toccoa Flow.” Judge Marsha Hamby Savage (R) presented the award to Lila (L) at The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s annual Plein Air International Paint-out Weekend 2026. Congrats, Lila!

The Art Center is closed today, Saturday, September 19, 2026, in support of the 15th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival. We will return to our normal schedule on Sunday, September 20, at 11:00 AM. The Festival will feature live music, more than 15 BBQ pitmasters, and a wide selection of local vendors serving up incredible eats. Grab a bite to eat, get a beverage, and enjoy the live music on stage right in front of The Art Center starting at 11:00 AM. See you there! Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival