Painting Stories

Three Mothers of Art

1/20/2023

Oil painting by Virginia Pendergrass of "Ballerina Angelina" sculpted by Stefan "Steebo" Bonitz at the Depot on Railroad Street in Brevard, NC.

In the early 2000s, artist Ann Dergara, Susan Hershey, photographer, and gallery businesswoman Joan Van Orman envisioned Brevard, NC, my home town, as an art destination. I call them the “Three Mothers of Art” in Brevard, NC.

Ann took the first step by challenging the city council when she was instructed to remove a sculpture on the sidewalk in front of her gallery, Red Wolf. She convinced council members that her sculpture should stay where it was, AND that Brevard needed many more throughout town. Ann solicited local sculptors to join in her campaign for outdoor art, and sought sponsors to pay for the sculptures. Brevard now has sculptures of elk, white squirrels, bobcats, ravens and butterflies, cows with calves, and more on its ‘Sculpture Trail’. “Ballerina Angelina”, created by sculptor Stefan “Steebo” Bonitz and sponsored by Robert Plafsky, stands on tiptoe next to the revived historic Depot on Railraod St.

Susan and Joan established a new gallery featuring local artists; their business plan envisioned Brevard as an art destination. Although they have since retired their gallery, their goal of Brevard as an art destination soldiered on.

Recently, I participated in the third year of “Art in the Air”, a plein air festival initiated by a relative newcomer to Brevard, Lucy Clark, owner of the Lucy Clark Gallery. Lucy collaborated with the ‘Heart of Brevard’ businesses in inviting regional artists to paint the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains and state forests, as well as Brevard itself.

Visitors' and locals' reviews were clear- “I’ll see you next year.” Brevard is an art destination!

"Deep Breath of Air- Blue Ridge" oil painting
by Virginia Pendergrass

13 Comments

mike schlesinger

1/20/2023 08:49:21 pm

I would think that "Deep Breath of Fresh Air- Blue Ridge" was a water color - nice job.

Virginia

1/21/2023 02:28:31 pm

Hi, Mike, great to hear from you. Thanks for your encouraging response in my new endeavour. Always appreciate your take on things.

Pam Fuhrer

1/20/2023 09:21:11 pm

I’d lived in Brevard a long time and did not know about those intrepid women who Kickstarted Brevard as an artist’s town. And great to see that the “ Art in the Air” started by Lucy Clark is going strong.

1/21/2023 02:32:59 pm

Hi, Pam, thanks for your response to my post and appreciation for women in the arts.

Carol Cole Czeczot link

1/21/2023 08:03:20 am

Thanks for this brief history lesson, Virginia, and for sharing your wonderful work. I especially love your Blue Ridge painting.

1/21/2023 02:39:47 pm

Hi Carol, Thanks for your appreciation of my art work, and referring me to Mike for help in getting this posting business up and running.

Jeanette Goodwin

1/23/2023 12:20:54 pm

Thank you for sharing. The "Ballerina Angelina" puts a smile on my face.

1/23/2023 03:03:22 pm

So nice to hear from you, and to know that my ‘ballerina” gave you pleasure.

Anne McLaughlin

1/25/2023 08:59:49 pm

What are the dates of the paint out… would love to visit during that time….Love your sweet little painting Anne

1/25/2023 09:36:31 pm

Hi, Anne, thanks for checking in. If I recall correctly, the 2022 Brevard plein air festival was in mid-September- we had beautiful warm, sunny weather through the entire week. After the event, Lucy Clark, the sponsor, asked for feedback from the artists about what time of year we preferred. The answer, of course, is any warm and sunny week, but who knows when that will be in our mountains. I will post information about this year’s festival and notify you via the Constant Contact email- I would love to have you come to it.

Dorothy rainier link

2/13/2023 04:03:55 pm

Love the softness and colors of the blue ridge painting. !
Let me know if you plan to lead any workshops.
I've been working on botanical Mandalas, and have enough for a book. they are on my website.

2/13/2023 10:16:56 pm

Good to hear from you- I hope I can make it to NYC for another visit- not now, of course, way too cold. I checked into your website- you have been very busy with your art! I have to admit that I did not know exactly what a mandala was, so looked it up., It seems to serve many purposes including well-being in the making of the art, an excellent thought. I think it would make a lovely book- let me know when you publish.

2/14/2023 08:31:05 am

Would like to see a mandala by you, Virginia! Your work is so beautiful!

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Three Mothers of Art