Pastoral Palette Art Show Gala with Appalachian Barn Alliance and Saints of Paint

The Appalachian Barn Alliance will again partner with The Saints of Paints (organized and led by John MacKah) to host an arts celebration by 15 of Asheville area’s finest artists. These two groups, the Appalachian Barn Alliance and the Saints of Paint, come together with a single purpose – to honor the barns of western North Carolina’s heritage. This is a special year as the ABA would like to thank the Saints of Paint for this 5-year partnership, and at the same time, help the artists recover from the losses they suffered during and since Helene. Some artists –especially those whose studios were in the River Arts District or on the island in Marshall at Marshall High Studios– suffered the loss of their studios. But ALL have experienced the loss of their revenue from the October fall colors’ month until now.

The Friday Evening Benefit and Saturday “Open to the Public” show will be back at the beautiful space in the historic Ivy Building at 10 Genevieve Circle (just off of Victoria Road) on the A-B Tech campus. Friday is a ticketed event offering samplings of food as well as complimentary wine and beer choices where you can mingle with the artists who will have several of their paintings for sale. Paintings range in price and size and will be not only of barns but also of beautiful rural landscapes. Background music is provided by David Hughes. The event continues (minus the food, drink, and music) on the following day when it is free and open to the public– on Saturday, May 31 with an opportunity to purchase the artists’ works from 11am to 3pm.

Money raised from tickets sold for the Friday event will benefit the work of the Appalachian Barn Alliance in their latest project. Currently, there is a campaign to raise money to purchase 75 acres to further protect and add to the land for the Smith Heritage Farmstead just outside of Mars Hill. The 50% the ABA receives from the sale of art will also benefit this project. The other 50% goes to the artist of the painting sold.

Organized in 2014, the Saints of Paints (https://saintsofpaintasheville.org/) supports important regional non-profits by creating works of art to sell to hundreds of guests at novel galas. These organizations have included RiverLink, Appalachian Wild, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The artists use their talent to help raise funds for non-profits with like-minded commitment to causes in the area. This is a great way to browse art, enjoy food and support a great cause.

Please join us in preserving and celebrating the heritage and art of western North Carolina barns through this unique event. Tickets for the Friday event are $50 each. If you are a ABA member, you can get a $5 discount. An Individual Sponsorship (“Barn Raisers”) is available for $100 which allows early entry. Contact Sandy at 828 380-9146 to confirm your membership or if you have any questions.