JACKSON COUNTY, NC (July 15, 2016) – “Twenty-six artists have done more than 150 paintings of the landscape and lifestyle of the Cashiers-Highlands area,” said Village Green Executive Director Ann Self. The Cashiers Plein Air Festival happens every two years and ends its weeklong event–from July 12-16—tomorrow.

The Cashiers Plein Air Festival provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Cashiers area community, to build brand awareness in Western North Carolina, and show support of art to benefit an important cause-enhancing The Village Green. Cashiers Plein Air Festival reaches a sophisticated audience who appreciate a commitment to mountain community life.

Nationally acclaimed painters from throughout the country set up their easels to capture the beauty of the North Carolina Mountains. Their original art from the festival is displayed for viewing and sale in Cashiers. Special events, ticketed and open to the public, have occurred throughout the week and highlight the art and create a community festival atmosphere. So far this week, thousands of attendees have come to Cashiers and the surrounding area.

The festival is a biennial event held to raise critical funds to enhance The Village Green. The Village Green is the 12.5-acre park known as the “ green heart” of Cashiers, at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107. The Village Green provides residents and visitors a beautiful, free public space that enriches the lifestyle and preserves the mountain village legacy of the area in many ways.

For social media posting today (Friday, July 15) or print publications publishing Saturday–additional quote: “ Their exceptional work is available for viewing and sales through tomorrow (July 16) until the festival ends at 3 p.m.,” said Self.” We don’t want anyone to miss this unique opportunity.”

Photos (credit Jackson County Tourism) – Charles Dickson paints Rock Mountain on the lawn outside High Hampton Inn on Wed., July 13 as part of the Cashiers Plein Air Festival.

Gary Baughman recreates the largest weeping willow in the state at Lonesome Valley in on July 13 as part of the Cashiers Plein Air Festival.

Aritst Mark Kelvin Horton teaches a class on “ Dramatic Skies in a Landscape,” in Oil, as part of the Cashiers Plein Air Festival July 13 at the Village Green.

Media Contact for additional information: Ann Self, Executive Director, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com, 828.743.3434, www.villagegreencashiersnc.com, P.O. Box 2201, Cashiers, NC 28717