City of 1000 Easels is a self-guided walking tour of visual artists at work in outdoor locations in downtown Asheville. Visual artists working in any media are invited to set up a miniature outdoor studio to create work live in front of an audience of passers-by.
During City of 1000 Easels 2012, Jonas Gerard created and painted live to music, swiftly followed by a live auction of the paintings!
Captivated by the bold strokes of Jonas’ brush, as the paint moves and flows to the beat of the music, the audience will become a part of the energy and creative process as several new paintings spring to life before their eyes. While the paint is still wet, we hope those eager, art-loving philanthropists in the audience will be bidding on the paintings during the action-packed live auction. Proceeds will benefit the Asheville Area Arts Council, in this emotional and exciting event.
Allen Brasington, our dynamic auctioneer for the event, will fire up the crowd and inspire them to open up their hearts and their pockets to keep the arts alive in Buncombe County. This new and inclusive auctioning style brings people together who have a common philanthropic goal, to delight in the arts. Since the auction items are painted during the event, those with winning bids will have an incredibly deep connection to their new treasures and a story to tell for the rest of their lives.
How to Participate as an artist:
1. Review, and agree, to the Guidelines below.
2. Register by emailing Kitty Love at the Asheville Area Arts Council: kitty@ashevillearts.com
3. You will be supplied with information about your location. If you would like to discuss why a certain spot is desired, email Kitty and make arrangements discuss.
4. Arrive at 2pm to your assigned spot, and get set up.
5. The event starts at 3pm, and ends at 6pm.
6. All materials must be removed by 7pm. For sustainability of the event, please be self reliant and leave no trace. Take away all equipment, and any trash produced by your presence.
7. While this is not a sales event, the AAAC supports your economic well-being! We will provide silent auction sheets for every artist, and we encourage follow up by the artist on any bids. Any portion donated to the AAAC is greatly appreciated!
Guidelines:
1. No person or equipment can block access to any passageway, including building en- trances, doors, bus stops, sidewalks, etc.
2. We’ve cleared each spot with the City of Asheville as part of the permit, but just in case: If law enforcement takes issue with placement of artist’s set-up, the artist must contact Kitty Love (828.216.8815) and move to a reassigned location (without friction!). Please be civic minded.
3. Artists supply all materials and must include non-permanent mediums and a drop cloth. Spray paint is prohibited (sorry). A shade umbrella is optional.
4. Easel must be weighed down (sand bag, sand bucket, etc).
5. Canvas must be secured to easel with clips, clamps or similar.
6. Family-friendly content, please. We don’t mind challenging themes, but avoid content that might be offensive.
7. Let people see your progress! The piece you work on during the event should be new. Canvas can be prepared in advance. You may bring a few completed pieces to display around your easel.
