Paint the Shore Connects Artists and Community to Protected Lands
The Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VESLT) held its biennial Paint the Shore event this fall. Paint the Shore is a plein air art show that connects artists and the community to conserved lands. A group of 17 artists painted en plein air (meaning outside) on privately owned conservation lands protected with an easement held by VESLT and Brinkley Preserve owned by Northampton County.
On the Eastern Shore, we are blessed with access to many wild places and breathtaking natural beauty. We have a rich tapestry of preserved land. The Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust holds 14,400 acres privately held but permanently preserved. Because the lands are privately owned, VESLT is always seeking ways to connect the community to these protected landscapes. Paint the Shore was one more way to open access both to the artists painting on protected lands and the community viewing the artwork at the show.
The event culminated in a November reception and art show at the Historic Onancock School. For the second time, the show included student artists from the Nandua Middle School Eighth Grade.