NEW BERN, N.C. — Downtown New Bern was transformed into a vibrant canvas on Sunday morning as artists participated in a festival celebrating creativity, community, and culture. The event, part of the North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival, featured painters scattered throughout the area, capturing its beauty.

Kippy Hammond, the festival director, explained the event’s structure: “We have the quick paint and that’s open for all, we have different divisions. We have the featured artists, and they compete against each other, then you have the open adult, and then you have the youth.”

Hammond’s work, along with that of 37 other artists, was displayed at New Bern’s Farmers Market. The festival supports visual arts in Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret counties as a 501(c)(3) fundraiser.

Pamlico County resident Janet Conway Rose won her first blue ribbon during the quick paint competition. “I was shocked, I had such a good time. I had my phone set for timers so I could keep pace and—there was some amazing artwork, so I am just very appreciative,” she said. Rose, participating for the first time, was inspired by a simple craftsman and cottage-style home. “I’m very fond of simple craftsman and cottage style homes, and the morning light was beautiful on the roof,” she added.

The festival showcased over 400 paintings and achieved record sales this year. However, Hammond emphasized the festival’s broader purpose. “Just having a community project like this, especially at this day and time when people can’t seem to find something in common with each other… It’s just, it’s very meaningful,” she said.

The festival, which included workshops and demonstrations, plans to return annually the week after Mother’s Day, offering opportunities for all ages to learn and explore Plein Air Painting.