Art of the Trail: An A.T.-Inspired Invitational Show
Old Stone School
37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA
June 7-8, 2024
See the wonders of the Appalachian Trail through the eyes of artists who know the trail step-by-step: a former thru-hiker, long-time section hikers, an iconic "trail angel" and an acclaimed painter documenting his first A.T. adventure this year. Join us in the Old Stone School at the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival to experience A.T. inspiration through the eyes of artists.
Art will be available for purchase during festival hours, with the artists on hand throughout the day to talk about their work. Artists include Mike Wurman, Morris Jensen, Monica Aguilar, Janet Hensley and Melinda Irby.
Old Stone School
37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA
June 7-8, 2024
See the wonders of the Appalachian Trail through the eyes of artists who know the trail step-by-step: a former thru-hiker, long-time section hikers, an iconic "trail angel" and an acclaimed painter documenting his first A.T. adventure this year. Join us in the Old Stone School at the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival to experience A.T. inspiration through the eyes of artists.
Art will be available for purchase during festival hours, with the artists on hand throughout the day to talk about their work. Artists include Mike Wurman, Morris Jensen, Monica Aguilar, Janet Hensley and Melinda Irby.
Meet The artists
Morris Jensen
Morris Jensen knows the miles of the Camino de Santiago hiking trail like few others, and his Camino paintings have drawn acclaim internationally.
Until this year, he knew the A.T. by reputation and by photographs, some of which he has interpreted in paintings. He joins us at the festival this year, as he hikes and sketches along the Trail.
Paintings, sketches |
melinda irby
As a child, Melinda grew up just miles from the A.T. in Bedford, Virginia. “Nature and mountains are healing and grounding," she explains. Her designs are inspired by hikes on the Trail.
Melinda has section hiked all of the Trail in Virginia, and she's now a full-time artist, who still makes time to take her daughter on hikes in the mountains. She works in acrylic paint and Prismacolor pencils.
PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, ORNAMENTS |
Janet Hensley
Janet Hensley grew up near the A.T. After owning a hiker hostel, she transitioned to van life and became a roving "trail angel," traveling hundreds of miles each year to help thru-hikers along the way. As she travels, "Miss Janet" (as she's known to hikers) documents the beauty of the trail and the community of its hikers in stunning photographs.
photographs |
MONICA AGUILAR
Monica "Moss" Aguilar began her 2,200-mile A.T. hike in 2018. During her time on the Trail, indelible sights inspired her to try to recreate them in drawings. It was only after her time on the Trail that she felt confident to share her acrylics and watercolors with the world. She hopes her art inspires others to explore nature as well as remember adventures past.
PAINTINGS, PRINTS, STICKERS |
Mike Wurman
Mike Wurman had no backpacking experience when he set out to hike the A.T. in 2014. In his pack he carried two sketchbooks and some pencils. As Mike puts it: "I took a walk from Georgia to Maine looking for inspiration and motivation. I discovered so much more--passion. Once you find that, all else follows." Now a full-time artist, Mike works and lives in Asheville, NC.
Pastels, sketches, books |
The artwork featured at the top of this page is from a painting by Morris Jensen.