The Art of the Village
In addition to numerous galleries and the first-class Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock is home to a growing collection of art that can be enjoyed by strolling through town. Some of these are part of a public collection, but many are privately owned and displayed in locations like hotels and restaurants. See conceptual and portrait sculpture, outdoor murals, carvings, and paintings on a self-guided tour.
The Gardener
by Alex Hallmark
at Memorial Park
This bronze sculpture was commissioned and gifted by the Blowing Rock Garden Club. Its members also maintain the garden that stretches in front of Memorial Park. She sits with a trowel, ready to tend her plants. In winter, she is a patient guardian of the garden, and looks just as beautiful in a snow drift as surrounded by greenery and blooms.
Flora of the Mountains
by Robert Johnson
at 1053 Main Street
This mural was commissioned in 2006 by the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Robert Johnson is a renowned North Carolina artist from Burnsville, and this piece was created after observation of local trees, flowers, and plants. Find it on the side of the building that houses The Gilded Lily by Patra and neaco.
Jessie
by Cantey T. Kelleher
at Blowing Rock Community Library
This bronze depiction of a little girl reading a book in front of the Community Library is a favorite of locals and visitors. Created by Charlotte artist Cantey T. Kelleher, it was donated to the library by the Tomlinson family in honor of Grace Carr, a Blowing Rock librarian. It has a prominent spot on Main Street and there is room on the bench beside her where viewers can sit a spell.
Elliott Daingerfield en Plein Air
by Brenda Councill
at Edgewood Cottage
A bronze likeness of artist Elliott Daingerfield, this sculpture was completed in 2017 by Brenda Councill. It stands on the lawn at Edgewood Cottage, the first home that Daingerfield built in Blowing Rock and where he taught summer painting classes. The artistic tradition continues at the cottage with Artists in Residence each summer.
The Offering
by Marjorie Daingerfield
at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
Quietly situated in the Mary Garden to the right of the belltower, this bronze sculpture was created by Marjorie Daingerfield, daughter of painter Elliott Daingerfield. The Daingerfield family attended St. Mary of the Hills when they summered in Blowing Rock. Marjorie had many commissions for portrait sculptures, and was known as a gifted art lecturer. See a photo of the sculpture’s dedication here.
The Annunciation
by Alex Hallmark
at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
Mounted over the gable facing Chestnut Drive, this piece by local sculptor Alex Hallmark has a bright, verdigris finish. It was gifted to the church by the artist.
Blowing Rock Postcard
by Michael Brown
at 333 Wallingford Street
Commissioned by the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, this piece was created by Chapel Hill muralist, Michael Brown. Local landmarks and activities can be seen inside each of the letters. Find this mural one block from Main Street, at the intersection of Park Avenue and Wallingford Street.
The Natives of Blowing Rock
by Dayton Scoggins and Kenny Scoggins
at Hemlock Inn
Carved from two huge logs, this impressive piece depicts native animals of the area. From bears to bunnies, each animal stands from its perch on the intact, single piece of wood. It was created by Dayton Scoggins, an established chainsaw sculpture artist who demonstrates at events and creates custom works. The piece was made especially for the Hemlock Inn, which can be found on Morris Street in downtown Blowing Rock.
The Gallery at Meadowbrook Inn
by various artists
on main level
The Gallery at Meadowbrook Inn is currently featuring work by local artist, Connie Manley. A watercolor artists, she mainly focuses on locations that she has visited.
Lotus Blossom
by Beau Lyday
at Main Street and Valley Boulevard
This sculpture won first place at the 2019 Sculpture Walk at Chetola Resort. The sculptor, Beau Lyday, creates works with structural wooden frames covered with rusted tin roofing. The artist notes that the lotus blossom is a sacred symbol in Hindu and Buddhist religions, referring to rebirth and reincarnation, and that Native Americans used the lotus plant as a source of food and medicines. Find this sculpture along the sidewalk at the south end of Main Street. Easy parking is available at the trail head for the Middle Fork Greenway, between the stoplights.
Timberlake’s Collection
by Bob Timberlake
at Chetola Resort
The restaurant at Chetola Resort, Timberlake’s, features a large collection of canvases and signed prints by its namesake. Bob Timberlake, a prolific NC painter, has been visiting Chetola Resort for many years and eventually entered into a partnership with the property. The restaurant is open for reservations, though if you’d like to simply stop in to view the collection, check it out between meal times. Chetola Resort is open to the public.
Smokey the Owl
by Kim Ogburn
at A Stone’s Throw Cottage
Perched in a little garden by a local rental cottage, this whimsical wooden owl is among the newest installations in town. An adjacent bench beckons rest, or perhaps a good place to take a photo with “Smokey.” Created by San Diego artist Kim Ogbern, this piece was shipped all the way to NC especially for this spot on Sunset Drive in downtown Blowing Rock. A kinetic sculpture that spins in the breeze, it’s right at home.
Girl with Doves
by Richard Wayne Hallier
at Inn at Ragged Gardens
This sculpture stands in a side garden at The Inn at Ragged Gardens on Sunset Drive. Artist Richard Hallier was best known for bronze figurative statues with intense realism and attention fine detail. Prior to his sculpting career, Hallier owned a design and fabrication firm in nearby Boone.
Norma’s Flowers
by Mike Roig
at Suddreth Cottage
A piece by the sculptor of “metals and motion,” Mike Roig, this kinetic bouquet stands in the front yard of a cozy rental cottage on Main Street. A swirl of birds take flight around large, whimsical flowers. Norma Suddreth, who owns the cottage with her husband Jack, is passionate about many things, including art and gardening. This commissioned work combines both as a stunning focal point among the flower beds. All are welcome to take a closer look, but please be respectful of any potential guests at the cottage.
Jewel Fish
by Gaines Kiker
at Gainers Kiker Studio & Gallery
Local silver/goldsmith Gaines Kiker is well-known for his beautiful jewelry, but he creates art on a larger scale, too! At his gallery shop on Morris Street, his stone and steel sculpture titled “Jewel Fish” is on display in the garden.
Pet Portrait Collection
Photography by Dale Marie
at Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar
Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar is home to a spectacular collection of local pet portraits. All of the black and white photos are identically framed, creating a striking impression on the walls of the bar. It’s regularly updated with new portraits of neighborhood pets, taken by photographer Dale Marie.
