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Valentina Miranda Castro, Staff Writer for The Spark.
Photo credits: Valentina Miranda-Castro
The sun rises on a cloudy Blowing Rock sky as artists come from as farther than Greensboro to showcase their art at the Art in the Park festival. Artist fill their tents with various paintings, photographs, and woodwork and line the sides of the crowded streets of Blowing Rock.
As visitors enter the designated area for artists to present and sell their work, they are met with a sign that has the logo for the festival and sponsor, 4 Forty Four.
Art in the Park was founded in 1962 as a way for local artists to present their work to the public. As it has grown, it has evolved from a local art festival to a jury-selected presentation of artists from across North Carolina.
"The [Blowing Rock] Chamber of Commerce (BRCOC) selects the most qualified individuals for each week," said Amanda Waters, a 4 Forty Four representative. "[The artists] have to submit an application, and it's a process where [BRCOC] try to keep a mix of different types of metalwork, paper art, things like that for every Art in the Park that they have."
One of the first tents displays artwork from Andy Brinkley Studio. The artist shapes colorful metal into trees, fish, etc. Andy Brinkley Studio is located in Connelly Springs, NC.
Pam Fish, one of the chosen artists, presents her colorful work to her customers. "I started [macramé] back in college" said Fish, "and then picked it [back] up 10 years ago."
Above is a picture of Fish's favorite piece on display at the time."It's called macroweave, " said Fish, " because it's a combination of macramé and weaving. Then I incorporate upcycled fabrics from my daughter's closet or my mom's, and then [include] different types of yarn."
A closer look at colorful owls made through macramé hanging on the walls of Fish's tent.
A sign posted outside Fish's tent advertising her business.
Chandler stated her favorite piece on display at the time was the split piece on the left. "That one was made pretty much entirely out of exotic woods," said Chandler. "That's where it gets all the really rich color. I just like the richness of the natural wood color."
Fabrics, yarn, and metal are just a couple of the many mediums or art presented at the festival. Holly Chandler uses wood as her main medium of expression.
"My dad's a woodworker," said Chandler. "He taught me how to use the tools, and different things about all the different woods, and then I went with my own direction in it. They're all wood mosaics. It's all made from several pieces of woods. I paint them, [and] I stain them."
One of the many colorful art works hanging on the walls of Chandler's tent.
While most of Chandler's work is encased in wooden frames, a few are left with jagged edges.
Several rings made by Wendy Edwards, jewelry artist, on display. She began crafting jewlery after taking a class with her mom.
"My mom wanted to take a jewelry class about 15 years ago," said Edwards. "We took one and started silversmithing, which is how we make the jewelry."
A leather bracelet with a precious stone is presented on a branch in Edward's booth.
Edwards and her mother acquire most of the stones and gems for their creations themselves.
"We started going to Nevada and mining our own turquoise," said Edwards. "The name of the business is Wendy Kay Designs, Wendy for me. Kay was my mom."
Mary Zlotnick, poses next to her artwork.
"I create original boutique using wax and dyes," said Zlotnick. "Once I put the wax down, I'll iron the wax, do soft dye, and then iron the wax off."
Zlotnick proudly shows her favorite piece of art hanging on her tent wall.
"It's kind of whimsical and makes me happy when I look at it," said Zlotnick. "It was fun to do."
The artists and their work are just a few of the many wonderful things found at Art in the Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Every artist had their own story to share, and each artist utilized unique mediums and methods to express their creativity.
Art in the Park began as a local festival for artists to present their art, but over the years it has grown to become a prestigious festival. Although all of the Art In The Park events have officially concluded for 2026, there will be many more to come starting next summer.
This was Art in the Park, 2026
The sign at the exit of the area designated for artists to showcase their work.
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