Coastal Plein Air Art Festival to return to Norfolk for one final time

Watch artists painting seascapes, gardens and landmarks in their outdoor Ocean View studios April 19-23. Talented plein air artists from across the country will paint “en plein air” (in the open air) during the annual Coastal VA Plein Air Festival in Norfolk. This is the festival’s seventh year and final event that features artworks reflecting the coastal community along the Chesapeake Bay in Ocean View.

The first plein air art show started as a fundraising project for the East Beach Circle of the King’s Daughter’s, CHKD. The first two years of the show were a success, but the circle opted for a different fundraiser. So, Monica Johnson, Joanne Taylor and Mary Vinson decided to create a nonprofit plein air event with the purpose of raising money to bring public art and education to their Ocean View community. After this year’s final show, the co-chairs are moving on to other passions.

Talented artists from around the country will paint plein air (in the open air) at the Coastal VA Plein Air Festival. The event features artworks reflecting the coastal community. Compositions include paintings of seascapes, architecture, gardens and boats. Lee Belote/freelance

“We’ve had great fun and success, but an annual plein air event takes a lot of time,” said Johnson. “I’m pursuing a post-retirement art career, and my partners still work. This year is bittersweet because it’s our farewell event.”

Gina Buzby is a plein air artist that has participated in the festival since its inception. Buzby said she has enjoyed painting the beaches, beautiful homes, the marina district and the Bay Oaks.

“One of my favorite memories was getting a neighbor to sit with me at night while painting a nocturne of the entrance to the former Cutty Stark,” said Buzby. " What I’ll miss most about the festival is seeing how everyone comes together to share an interest in art that has been created during the festival week.”

Pictured is Chryshellis, a public art sculpture in Ocean View Beach Park. The Coastal VA Plein Air Festival raised funds that contributed to the sculpture along with other art initiatives such as art camps, workshops and watercolor sets for Ocean View Elementary School students. Lee Belote/freelance

The outdoor painting event culminates with an Art Collectors Show and Sale, which takes place on Saturday, April 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the East Beach Bayfront Club. The show features original paintings by the artists. This year’s show has added a new feature. All ticket holders can use the value of their ticket toward the purchase of their favorite painting. The public can also attend a free art show and sale on Sunday, April 23.

Johnson said the best part of the festival has been giving back to the community. Raised funds have gone to “Chryshellis,” a public art sculpture in Ocean View Beach Park, watercolor sets for every child at Ocean View Elementary School, professional artist workshops, and art camps for Ocean View Elementary students. “Art is a wonderful thing, and public art can elevate the lives of people who are touched by its beauty,” said Johnson. “It’s been rewarding to see how our friends and neighbors have supported the event. I’ll miss the artists coming here every year.”

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If you go

What: Coastal VA Plein Air Festival

When: April 19-23

Where: Ocean View, East Beach Bayfront Club, 4450 East Beach Drive, Norfolk

Cost: $50 (Saturday, April 22 Art Collectors Show and Sale) Free (Public art show and sale)

Info: Go to coastalvapleinair.com for full schedule

Lee Belote jlbelote@verizon.net

Plein air artists will be painting in their outdoor studios April 19-23 at the Coastal VA Plein Air Festival. An "Arts Collectors Show and Sale" will take place at the East Beach Bayfront Club. Go to coastalvapleinair.com for the full schedule. Lee Belote/freelance