Where History Meets the Easel – Warming up for the NC PLein Air Art Festival

Practice the Art of Watching Paint Come to Life — A Warm-Up to the NC Plein Air Art Festival

New Bern Historic Society Heritage Homes Tour
May 1 & 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily
A self-guided walking tour in the Downtown & Riverside Historic Districts

Before the festival begins, the paintings begin.

During the Heritage Homes Tour, members of the Coastal Carolina Plein Air Painters will be painting live throughout the historic districts, capturing these iconic homes in real time. This special preview event offers a unique opportunity to experience plein air painting up close — spontaneous, expressive, and inspired by place.

Watch artists at work, transforming architecture and atmosphere into original paintings as you explore the tour.

Participating Artists:
Susan Cheatham, Alex Holton, Tammy Warren, Heide Locke, Joanne Ashton, Christina Flannigan, Marsh Dunlap, Barbara Van Vleit, Steven Dunn, Deb Burlington, Eleanor McArver, Allyson Hankley, Chris Carroll, Chris Provard, Tanya Logan, Don Zerigue.

Artists will compete for a cash prize and ribbon, with the winning painting featured in the main Exhibition Gallery during the NC Plein Air Art Festival (May 12–17).

Find the Artists:
Download the free En Plein Air Artist Locator App (App Store & Google Play) to track artist locations in real time.

👉 Tour details and guide available through the New Bern Historical Society website.