This year our theme is water. Water is the most intimate of all natural resources. We depend on and share our lives with water in its many forms—the soothing trickle of freshwater springs, meandering rivers, the rhythmic waves of the great lakes, the thunderous roar of the ocean, and even debilitating droughts. Water reflects our emotions, awakens the senses, and excites our imagination.
NEW!
We have TWO Community Projects this year, sponsored by the Bath County Art Association.
One is a community painting which will hang on the exterior wall of the gallery building during the week of the Plein Air Festival, September 25-October 1, 2023. There will be two 48x60 canvases where community members will be invited to paint. Each person will be encouraged to paint 1-5 strokes so that the end result will be a painting created by various community members. Any and all people will be encouraged to participate!
The second project is a community chalkboard that will hang at the Old Dairy during the week of the festival. On the chalkboard we will ask people to think about water and share their reflections. When the board fills up we will photograph it and post people’s responses on social media and start anew. We invite you to participate in both!
SCHEDULE
Monday, September 25 • Artists arrive in Bath County
Monday, September 25 • Welcome Dinner for Artists and Hosts
Old Dairy, Trimble Hall, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Invitation only.
Tuesday, September 26 • Artists paint Bath County
Locations: The Lodge at Alpenglow, Chimney Run Farm, Jackson River, Childrey Property, Dice Farm
The WET WALL!
Starting on Tuesday, artists will hang newly completed pieces for viewing and sale in the gallery leading up to the main sale. The public will be able to preview and purchase paintings before the weekend.
Tuesday, September 26 • Exhibit of Water Paintings
Old Dairy, Holstein Barn, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Each artist will have two water paintings on display throughout the week. Open Tuesday - Thursday 11-1 and when there are events scheduled at the Dairy.
Wednesday, September 27 • Artists Paint Bath County
Locations: Warm Springs Pools, Barn Hill, Hal's Point, Folly Farm, Lake Moomaw
Wednesday, September 27 • 10-12 pm • Artist Demonstration: Michelle Held
Warm Springs Pools, 11 Bath St, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Wednesday, September 27 • 12-4 pm • Exploring Bath County Waterways: Warm Springs Pools + Lake Moomaw + Cascades Gorge + Jackson River.
Cascades Gorge 9 am - 12 pm Hike followed by a picnic lunch at the Gallery $65/person
Jackson River 10 am - 1 pm Yoga, Kayak and Meditation, followed by picnic lunch riverside $90/person
Jackson River 10 am - 12 pm Paddle Trip—Petticoat Junction to Intervale, followed by a picnic lunch riverside $70/person
Warm Springs Pools 11 am - 12 pm Soak followed by a picnic lunch at the Gallery $50/person
Lake Moomaw 11 am - 2 pm Tour of Lake Moomaw, followed by a picnic on an island $65/person
Wednesday, September 27 • 7-10 • Sip and Stroll at Sunset
Omni Homestead Resort. Reception at The Pillars, 1525 Shady Lane, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Grab a drink and stroll throughout the grounds of the Omni Homestead to see all 2023 invited artists paint on location. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 28 • Artists Paint Bath County
Locations: Warm Springs and Hot Springs, Jackson River at Hidden Valley, Alvey Cottage, Christian Cottage, Garth Newel Music Center
Thursday, September 28 • 10-12 pm • Artist Demonstration: Greg Barnes
Jackson River at Hidden Valley, 2241 Hidden Valley Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Thursday, September 28 • 11-1 pm • Exploring Bath County Waterways: Warm Springs Pools + Cascades Gorge + Lake Moomaw
Cascades Gorge 9 am - 12 pm Hike followed by a picnic lunch at the Garden Cafe $65/person
Warm Springs Pools 11 am - 12 pm Soak followed by a picnic lunch at the Dairy $50/person
Lake Moomaw 11 am - 2 pm Tour of Lake Moomaw, followed by a picnic on an island $65/person
Thursday, September 28 • 1:30-3:30 pm • Panel Discussion with Artists
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
"How to Read a Painting." What’s involved in understanding a painting? How do we see a painting for what it is? Artists make choices about subject matter, palette, composition, and mark-making. How do they weave these elements together to create an impact? What makes a successful painting and how do we gain confidence with our purchasing choices. Beth Bathe, Lon Brauer, Neal Hughes, Russell Jewell, DK Palecek, George Van Hook, and Steven Walker. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 28 • 4-6 pm • Ragged Branch Bourbon Tasting
Old Dairy, Trimble Hall, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Join us for a bourbon tasting! We've partnered with Ragged Branch of Charlottesville to bring you a welcome cocktail and three tastings. Price includes your tasting, light refreshments, and a gift. $25/person
Thursday, September 28 • 7 pm • Painting Impressions: Angelo Râpan and Festival Artists, Improvisational Music and Painting Performance
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Angelo Râpan inhabits the smallest ecosystem known to musicians: The place where heart and mind are perfectly in balance. Angelo comes to us from years of training and discipline to a place where his skills are immediately and dramatically apparent. What makes him stand apart, however, is the passion of his composition and performance which force us to encounter him on an emotional level far beyond what mere skill can provide.
$30/person
Friday, September 29 • Artists paint Bath County
Old Camp, Camp Mount Shenandoah, Lynchbrug Camp, Fort Lewis Lodge
Friday, September 29 • 10 am-12 pm • 12:30 am-2:30 pm • Stream Ecology Guided Hike
Cowpasture River at Fort Lewis Lodge, 811 Millstone Ln, Millboro, VA 24460
Join Dr. Charles Gowan, biology professor at Randolph-Macon College, on a guided hike along the Cowpasture River. This experience is all wet! Dr. Gowan will get you into the river to see fish and aquatic invertebrates and to learn their names, their fascinating adaptations to flowing water, and the cool ways they interact. If you prefer to stay onshore, we’ll bring critters to you. The more adventurous can wade into the water to do some collecting themselves (wear shorts and shoes suitable for the water; we’ll bring the nets). Want more adventure? Don some of the hip boots provided and catch fish with electricity, just like the pros! Really a thrill seeker? Slip on the masks and snorkels provided and swim with the fishes (literally, not figuratively). At the end of the experience, you’ll come away amazed at what lurks right below the water’s surface. SOLD OUT
Friday, September 29 • 1 pm-3 pm • Artist Demonstration: Debra Howard
Fort Lewis Lodge, 811 Millstone Ln, Millboro, VA 24460
Friday, September 29 • 5:30-8:30 pm • Farm to Table Dinner. Exhibition & Sale of Paintings
Crit and Liza Richardson/Dice Farm, 25126 Sam Snead Hwy, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Enjoy a scrumptious dinner featuring chefs and storytellers Mike Costello and Amy Dawson of Lost Creek Farm. Via their travelling kitchen, Mike and Amy share story-rich Appalachian foods at culinary events across the eastern United States. Mike and Amy use food as a way to tell stories about the way people of all backgrounds have connected to the Appalachian landscape. $175/person
Saturday, September 30 • 10-12 am • Talk by Festival Judge Randall Sexton
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Award-winning artist and instructor, Randall Sexton is nationally known for his use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. He has received accolades from curators, jurors, fellow artists, students and collectors. His talk is entitled, Inspiration, Influences, and String Theory: A personal reflection on those who have influenced, inspired, and affected the arc of my development as an artist, and a few related "threads" of connections or influence in the "broader" painting world. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, September 30 • 1-3 pm • Artist Demonstration: Hector Acuna
Inn at Gristmill Square, 118 Old Germantown Rd, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Saturday, September 30 • 5-6 pm • Collector’s Preview & Champagne Kick-Off
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Be among the first to see and purchase the newly completed paintings! Enjoy a glass of champagne, passed hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to talk with festival artists. $50/person.
Saturday, September 30 • 6:30-8:30 pm • Gala Celebration. Exhibition, Awards, and Sale of Wet Paintings
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Hors d'oeuvres, wine, and fresh paintings by festival artists! Cast your vote for the best painting in the show. Festival Judge Randall Sexton will select the three top paintings in the show. The winning paintings will be for sale immediately after judging. $25/person.
Sunday, October 1 • 9am-12pm • Small Painting Sunday
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
The Bath County Plein Air Festival will conclude with an exhibition and sale of small paintings, (6 inches x 8 inches) produced during the week. These small paintings, which will not be shown until Sunday, represent a chance for all patrons to add to their collections and will offer a unique perspective on the landscape of Bath County. Free and open to the public.
NEW!
We have TWO Community Projects this year, sponsored by the Bath County Art Association.
One is a community painting which will hang on the exterior wall of the gallery building during the week of the Plein Air Festival, September 25-October 1, 2023. There will be two 48x60 canvases where community members will be invited to paint. Each person will be encouraged to paint 1-5 strokes so that the end result will be a painting created by various community members. Any and all people will be encouraged to participate!
The second project is a community chalkboard that will hang at the Old Dairy during the week of the festival. On the chalkboard we will ask people to think about water and share their reflections. When the board fills up we will photograph it and post people’s responses on social media and start anew. We invite you to participate in both!
SCHEDULE
Monday, September 25 • Artists arrive in Bath County
Monday, September 25 • Welcome Dinner for Artists and Hosts
Old Dairy, Trimble Hall, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Invitation only.
Tuesday, September 26 • Artists paint Bath County
Locations: The Lodge at Alpenglow, Chimney Run Farm, Jackson River, Childrey Property, Dice Farm
The WET WALL!
Starting on Tuesday, artists will hang newly completed pieces for viewing and sale in the gallery leading up to the main sale. The public will be able to preview and purchase paintings before the weekend.
Tuesday, September 26 • Exhibit of Water Paintings
Old Dairy, Holstein Barn, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Each artist will have two water paintings on display throughout the week. Open Tuesday - Thursday 11-1 and when there are events scheduled at the Dairy.
Wednesday, September 27 • Artists Paint Bath County
Locations: Warm Springs Pools, Barn Hill, Hal's Point, Folly Farm, Lake Moomaw
Wednesday, September 27 • 10-12 pm • Artist Demonstration: Michelle Held
Warm Springs Pools, 11 Bath St, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Wednesday, September 27 • 12-4 pm • Exploring Bath County Waterways: Warm Springs Pools + Lake Moomaw + Cascades Gorge + Jackson River.
Cascades Gorge 9 am - 12 pm Hike followed by a picnic lunch at the Gallery $65/person
Jackson River 10 am - 1 pm Yoga, Kayak and Meditation, followed by picnic lunch riverside $90/person
Jackson River 10 am - 12 pm Paddle Trip—Petticoat Junction to Intervale, followed by a picnic lunch riverside $70/person
Warm Springs Pools 11 am - 12 pm Soak followed by a picnic lunch at the Gallery $50/person
Lake Moomaw 11 am - 2 pm Tour of Lake Moomaw, followed by a picnic on an island $65/person
Wednesday, September 27 • 7-10 • Sip and Stroll at Sunset
Omni Homestead Resort. Reception at The Pillars, 1525 Shady Lane, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Grab a drink and stroll throughout the grounds of the Omni Homestead to see all 2023 invited artists paint on location. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 28 • Artists Paint Bath County
Locations: Warm Springs and Hot Springs, Jackson River at Hidden Valley, Alvey Cottage, Christian Cottage, Garth Newel Music Center
Thursday, September 28 • 10-12 pm • Artist Demonstration: Greg Barnes
Jackson River at Hidden Valley, 2241 Hidden Valley Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Thursday, September 28 • 11-1 pm • Exploring Bath County Waterways: Warm Springs Pools + Cascades Gorge + Lake Moomaw
Cascades Gorge 9 am - 12 pm Hike followed by a picnic lunch at the Garden Cafe $65/person
Warm Springs Pools 11 am - 12 pm Soak followed by a picnic lunch at the Dairy $50/person
Lake Moomaw 11 am - 2 pm Tour of Lake Moomaw, followed by a picnic on an island $65/person
Thursday, September 28 • 1:30-3:30 pm • Panel Discussion with Artists
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
"How to Read a Painting." What’s involved in understanding a painting? How do we see a painting for what it is? Artists make choices about subject matter, palette, composition, and mark-making. How do they weave these elements together to create an impact? What makes a successful painting and how do we gain confidence with our purchasing choices. Beth Bathe, Lon Brauer, Neal Hughes, Russell Jewell, DK Palecek, George Van Hook, and Steven Walker. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 28 • 4-6 pm • Ragged Branch Bourbon Tasting
Old Dairy, Trimble Hall, 46 Old Dairy Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Join us for a bourbon tasting! We've partnered with Ragged Branch of Charlottesville to bring you a welcome cocktail and three tastings. Price includes your tasting, light refreshments, and a gift. $25/person
Thursday, September 28 • 7 pm • Painting Impressions: Angelo Râpan and Festival Artists, Improvisational Music and Painting Performance
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Angelo Râpan inhabits the smallest ecosystem known to musicians: The place where heart and mind are perfectly in balance. Angelo comes to us from years of training and discipline to a place where his skills are immediately and dramatically apparent. What makes him stand apart, however, is the passion of his composition and performance which force us to encounter him on an emotional level far beyond what mere skill can provide.
$30/person
Friday, September 29 • Artists paint Bath County
Old Camp, Camp Mount Shenandoah, Lynchbrug Camp, Fort Lewis Lodge
Friday, September 29 • 10 am-12 pm • 12:30 am-2:30 pm • Stream Ecology Guided Hike
Cowpasture River at Fort Lewis Lodge, 811 Millstone Ln, Millboro, VA 24460
Join Dr. Charles Gowan, biology professor at Randolph-Macon College, on a guided hike along the Cowpasture River. This experience is all wet! Dr. Gowan will get you into the river to see fish and aquatic invertebrates and to learn their names, their fascinating adaptations to flowing water, and the cool ways they interact. If you prefer to stay onshore, we’ll bring critters to you. The more adventurous can wade into the water to do some collecting themselves (wear shorts and shoes suitable for the water; we’ll bring the nets). Want more adventure? Don some of the hip boots provided and catch fish with electricity, just like the pros! Really a thrill seeker? Slip on the masks and snorkels provided and swim with the fishes (literally, not figuratively). At the end of the experience, you’ll come away amazed at what lurks right below the water’s surface. SOLD OUT
Friday, September 29 • 1 pm-3 pm • Artist Demonstration: Debra Howard
Fort Lewis Lodge, 811 Millstone Ln, Millboro, VA 24460
Friday, September 29 • 5:30-8:30 pm • Farm to Table Dinner. Exhibition & Sale of Paintings
Crit and Liza Richardson/Dice Farm, 25126 Sam Snead Hwy, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Enjoy a scrumptious dinner featuring chefs and storytellers Mike Costello and Amy Dawson of Lost Creek Farm. Via their travelling kitchen, Mike and Amy share story-rich Appalachian foods at culinary events across the eastern United States. Mike and Amy use food as a way to tell stories about the way people of all backgrounds have connected to the Appalachian landscape. $175/person
Saturday, September 30 • 10-12 am • Talk by Festival Judge Randall Sexton
Garth Newel Music Center, 403 Garth Newel Ln, Hot Springs, VA 24445
Award-winning artist and instructor, Randall Sexton is nationally known for his use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. He has received accolades from curators, jurors, fellow artists, students and collectors. His talk is entitled, Inspiration, Influences, and String Theory: A personal reflection on those who have influenced, inspired, and affected the arc of my development as an artist, and a few related "threads" of connections or influence in the "broader" painting world. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, September 30 • 1-3 pm • Artist Demonstration: Hector Acuna
Inn at Gristmill Square, 118 Old Germantown Rd, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Saturday, September 30 • 5-6 pm • Collector’s Preview & Champagne Kick-Off
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Be among the first to see and purchase the newly completed paintings! Enjoy a glass of champagne, passed hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to talk with festival artists. $50/person.
Saturday, September 30 • 6:30-8:30 pm • Gala Celebration. Exhibition, Awards, and Sale of Wet Paintings
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Hors d'oeuvres, wine, and fresh paintings by festival artists! Cast your vote for the best painting in the show. Festival Judge Randall Sexton will select the three top paintings in the show. The winning paintings will be for sale immediately after judging. $25/person.
Sunday, October 1 • 9am-12pm • Small Painting Sunday
Warm Springs Gallery, 12 Katydid Trail, Warm Springs, VA 24484
The Bath County Plein Air Festival will conclude with an exhibition and sale of small paintings, (6 inches x 8 inches) produced during the week. These small paintings, which will not be shown until Sunday, represent a chance for all patrons to add to their collections and will offer a unique perspective on the landscape of Bath County. Free and open to the public.
