North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival 2023 Featured Artists
Our newly juried artists will join our award winners and top performers from 2022.
Mark your calendars for May 14-21, 2023.
Click on images to learn more about the artist.
The Jurors
Suzie Baker
Awards Juror
Suzie Baker is an award-winning artist whose paintings are regularly on display in magazines, prestigious national shows and plein air invitationals. She became president of Oil Painters of America in 2020 and holds signature status in that distinguished organization as well as the American Impressionist Society, American Women Artists, and others. In addition to being a still life and portrait artist, Suzie has been painting en plein air since she was a teenager. A sought-after instructor, for her humorous and informative style, Suzie teaches through her instructional video, Color Magic, and in workshops around the United States, Europe and close to her home in the Houston, Texas area.
For more about Suzie Baker - suziebaker.com
James Richards
Selection Juror
James Richards (AIS) is an American Impressionist painter who specializes in oils. He was born and raised in rural Georgia and spent the days of his youth exploring the farms, fields and forests of his hometown. Driven by a passionate connection with nature and a deep sense of obligation to relay his vision in the most truthful manner possible, he began painting at a very young age; by the time he was a young adult living in Athens, GA, he had already won numerous awards for his pieces.
James has spent years studying the nuances of paint and developing a keen sense of understanding and control over the medium. He is now regarded as one of the top oil painters and instructors in the country. He considers teaching and sharing his knowledge to be his primary purpose and true calling as an artist. He is a highly sought-after teacher around the world, conducting workshops across the US and Europe.
To see more of Jame's work and complete resume visit www.artistjamesrichards.com.
Kippy Hammond
Inviting Host Artist
Experienced in organizing community projects supporting the arts, Kippy Hammond lent a hand in planning the inaugural Plein Air New Bern event in 2021 and will take a lead in organizing the 2023 event for the newly formed Plein Air New Bern non-profit organization. Living in France since 1998, is the director of La Bonne Etoile Artist Retreat, a working studio/retreat at her home in France. She has shared her time between the artist retreat and New Bern, NC since 2015. Exhibiting in France, Italy, Russia, Taiwan, Curacao and throughout the United States, she is a signature member of excellence of the Pastel Society of America and the Southeastern Pastel Society.
To see more of Kippy's work and complete resume visit www.kippyhammond.com
Tryon Palace
Union Point Park & Marinas
Historic Downtown
Palace & Local Gardens
The first capital of North Carolina and sitting at the junction of two rivers, New Bern offers a variety of beautiful locations to inspire Plein Air artists of all types and styles. Settings include waterfront and dock, eight blocks of historic downtown, three historic homes districts, Tryon Palace and Gardens, and much much more.