Plein Air in the Park

Date: June 4, 2015
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

Nature of the New River Gorge inspires art in many forms. Painting by Cecil Glenn Runions.

Glen Jean, West Virginia, June 2, 2015—Want to try your hand at painting in the great outdoors? Join park volunteer "Resident Artist" Cecil Glenn Runions this weekend for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in New River Gorge National River, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Cecil has studied art at Concord University and teaches art classes for the Beckley Art Group and Morgantown Art Association. Now he's teaching art workshops in the park too.

These painting workshops are one of several public programs in New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River that provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surround us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for these programs. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of details about this weekend's featured park programs:

Friday, June 5, 2015:

Art in the Park Workshop

10:00 am –4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer "Resident Artist" Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).

Saturday, June 6, 2015:

Art in the Park Workshop

10:00 am –4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer "Resident Artist" Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk. Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.25 for the return tram ride.

National Trails Day Hike

10:00 am –4:00 pm. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 10 mile walk. Take a walk on the wild side through Bluestone National Scenic River and explore the beauty and diversity of this remote area. Hikers will travel with a ranger along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, which runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A FREE shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a lunch and plenty of water. Please call Sandstone Visitor Center (304-466-0417) to register.

Historic Thurmond Walking Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond's historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Sunday, June 7, 2015:

Art in the Park Workshop

10:00 am –4:00 pm. Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, then carpool to locations in the park to paint. Join park volunteer "Resident Artist" Cecil Glenn Runions for plein air (paintings created outside using natural light) experiences in the park, using watercolor and acrylic paints. Bring your own equipment. Come and enjoy a day listening, learning, and experiencing the park in a new way. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: call Sandstone Visitor Center 304-466-0417 (limited to 10 participants per workshop, ages 12 and up).

Historic Thurmond Walking Tour

11:00 am -12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond's historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.