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Art on the Greene Creates an Outdoor Gallery in Banner Elk, May 27-28

BANNER ELK, N.C. – Art on the Greene transforms the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School into an art gallery filled with works from local and regional artists, May 27-28.

The Memorial Day weekend show is the first of three shows that take place throughout the summer. The second show will be July Fourth weekend, July 1-2, and the final show will be Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-3.

The Memorial Day show includes approximately 40 artists from up and down the East Coast, as well as some from the Midwest. They represent a variety of media, such as metal, glass, ceramics, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil. The July Fourth show is expected to be the largest with 60 artists attending.

“I hope attendees find our town to be a place they want to return and tell other people about,” says Kimberly Tufts, show director. “I also hope they leave with something tangible, that they find a new piece of artwork and build a relationship with an artist that enriches their life.”

Proceeds from artists’ booth rental fees go to renovation efforts at the Historic Banner Elk School. Funds from previous art shows have helped restore heat to the school gymnasium and freshen the paint, as well as contributed to the town’s payments on the property.

The 1939 school was built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. The Town of Banner Elk owns the school, which is home to the Banner Elk Book Exchange, professional theater company Ensemble Stage and a lifestyle magazine.

“We have a rich heritage that makes us special, and I think people feel that when they’re here,” Tufts says. “Banner Elk is also a very friendly town in a beautiful location. We have wonderful restaurants and so many things to do outdoors, which make this place a destination.”

Art on the Greene has no admission fee. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Food vendors will be on hand, complementing the offerings at local downtown restaurants.

For information, visit www.TownOfBannerElk.org/BEShows or call 828-387-0581.