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The Plein Air Art Festival takes place in New Bern, May 14 – 21. But on May 16, the festival comes to Oriental.

Plein Air artists set up their easels around town, and paint on site. There’s also a pop-up exhibition and wet canvas sale in the evening.

• 8:30a – 10:30a: Antwan Ramar
• 10:30a – 12:30a: Jim Laurino
• 2p – 4p: Craig Reynolds
• 4p-6p: Pop-up Exhibition & Wet Canvas sale at The Village Gallery

Artist locations will be announced closer to the event. The Village Gallery is at 300 Hodges Street, across from Oriental Harbor.

The Plein Air Festival is a free event, both in Oriental and New Bern.

The main, week-long festival is at the New Bern Farmer’s Market. Nationally and internationally acclaimed plein air painters will create in-the-moment paintings, producing hundreds of artworks during that time.

Youth and adult amateur artists can compete for ribbons and cash awards in the annual Quick Paint competition. There are also painting demonstrations, workshops, art displays and sales. It’s all at the New Bern Farmers Market at 421 South Front Street, New Bern, NC. The festival is free, except for workshops, the Saturday award celebration, and the fee to enter the Quick Paint competition.

Find out more at NC Plein Air Art Festival.