Paint the Town invites community to paint Kinston landmarks
Artists of all ages and skill levels are being invited to capture Kinston on canvas during “Paint the Town,” an outdoor community art event set for Saturday, April 11.
Presented by ART 105, the Community Council for the Arts and smART Kinston, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants should first check in at the Community Council for the Arts, where they will receive a stamp on a blank canvas before heading out to paint scenes around Kinston. Organizers said artists are encouraged to paint landmarks, neighborhoods and other favorite local views, with finished pieces due back by April 18 for display through the BBQ Fest weekend.
The event is free and open to the public, and participants must bring their own canvas and materials. Organizers said the goal is to make the event simple and accessible, whether someone is a professional artist, a beginner or a family painting together.
Stephanie Brea, director of smART Kinston, said the event is meant to highlight the places in Kinston that matter most to the people who live here.
“We wanted to capture and highlight these views of town that were people’s favorites,” Brea said. “Many of these paintings will be on display for Barbecue Fest weekend, when visitors come into town.”
Brea said participants will be given suggested sites, but they are welcome to paint anywhere in Kinston. She said organizers are hoping the artwork reflects both well-known landmarks and places that may not be seen as often.
“We wanted to showcase spots that aren’t seen as frequently, certain neighborhoods, specific views, and really see what people came up with,” Brea said.
Jeffrey Williford, director of the Community Council for the Arts, said the event gives people a chance to show what they love about Kinston through art.
“Their love of the town and their love for art, and so people can see places that they may not have seen,” Williford said. “Of course, we’re going to have several paintings of some iconic places, but you never know what we’re going to find when people are showing what they love about this town.”
Brandon Potter, owner of ART 105, said the event is designed to feel welcoming and fun rather than intimidating.
“I think it’s just going to be all about having a good time and celebrating Kinston and Kinston’s landscape, and some of the landmarks that we have here in Kinston,” Potter said.
Organizers said the event also includes a contest component. Brea said participants who return their paintings will be eligible for a prize package of downtown Kinston items, thanks to Visit Kinston.
For those who may not be able to finish their painting during the event window, Brea said artists can continue working later as long as the canvas was stamped at check-in. Organizers are also working on ways to make participation more inclusive, including allowing some work to be created from photographs of suggested sites. The extended turn-in window also serves as a built-in rain plan for the outdoor event, allowing participants to get their canvas stamped on April 11 and finish their work later in the week when the weather improves.
