The dates of the show have been moved from early August (usually sweltering heat) to the cooler month of October, making the event more comfortable for the artists and public alike. Autumn in the Western North Carolina Mountains finds thousands of visitors traveling to the region to observe its amazing fall foliage.

The Art League of Henderson County created Art on Main in 1959 to provide local artists the opportunity to show their work in a relaxed atmosphere while meeting the public to sell their paintings. The original show was two-dimensional work only. Artists casually displayed their art on park benches and planters on Main Street in Hendersonville, while the public strolled through downtown. Eventually, artists from outside the region were invited to participate as well. The show still enjoys the involvement of several artists who have been participating for nearly 30 years.

Farm on Miller Road, by artist Ed Fadool. Artwork utilized for advertising for Art on Main, 2008.

Art on Main 2009 spans three days, October 2 – 4. Friday, October 2nd is also historic downtown Hendersonville's “First Friday,” when local galleries and merchants create a festive community atmosphere, remaining open until 9pm and often serving wine and cheese. Art on Main is the opening anchor of “The Arts Council Presents…” a celebration of the arts and culture in Henderson County .

The developing vision for Art on Main is to embrace all of the arts (two & three dimensions, music, storytelling, and other performances) in order to draw a larger segment of the community downtown – to involve, expose and educate them to the many facets of art – while maintaining a high quality.

To that end, the 2nd annual “Art Wars” competition will occur, which pushes artists to create within an atmosphere of fun and spontaneity.

Live art demonstrations will again be offered for the public to experience how an artist “goes to work” in their media. The demonstrations may include a raku & saggar pottery firing, pottery thrown on a wheel, glass bead making, spinning, felting, wood turning, making of twig furniture, “Vintage Redux”, and an aluminum pour. Artists participating: David Voorhees, Elynn Bernstien, Stephen Goranson, Abbie Doyle, Kim Adams and Brian Glaze. Several of these demonstrations allow the public to participate and create part of or an entire piece of art.

Artists interested in participating in Art Wars, please go to: www.artwarslive.com for more information, or contact Timm or Stephanie Kurtz at 693-1577.

Artists interested in participating in Art on Main may obtain applications at the bottom of this page.

Artists interested in participating in the live art demonstrations, please contact the Arts Council at: 828.693.8504 or acofhc@bellsouth.net.

The Art on Main Committee is committed to artist hospitality. Daily refreshments, delivery of several meals, booth sitters, a $10,000 Patron Purchase Award Program and an awards event are just a few details being planned by the committee for the artists. The 2009 awards event will be a brunch on Saturday, October 3rd to celebrate our artists, patrons and sponsors.

Featured Artist - Ben Freeman - Booth #530

Our featured artist this year is Hendersonville’s own Ben Freeman. His local painting titled, Fall Forest, is water color, pen & ink. Ben was born in Tampa, Florida and went to college at the Ringling School of Art and Design where he graduated in 2000. Ben says, “I have always loved the outdoors and enjoy portraying the beauty of nature in my work. I primarily use watercolor and ink in my work.”