Upcoming Event: Kings Mountain Virtual Art Fair
By Jennah Litecky Yost
COVID has changed many things in our day to day lives, but for artists, one of the biggest impacts has been on our art shows. Art shows are our chance to display our work to the public, sell new pieces from our stands, and get commissions for one-of-a-kind projects. For several years, FireSmith Copper has participated in the annual Kings Mountain Art Fair near Woodside, California. It’s one of our favorite shows, and we were worried that it would be cancelled like so many public events have been during the pandemic.
Luckily, the show will go on with a virtual art fair—and we’re proud to say that it’s the most impressive virtual event we’ve ever participated in. Kings Mountain has found a way for artists and patrons to interact with each other in real time during the show. Best of all, we still get a chance to raise funds for the Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Kings Mountain Elementary School, two pillars of the community that deserve every penny.
When: Labor Day Weekend – Sept 5, 6, and 7, 2020 10am-4pm PST
Where: Online!
Featured Pieces
We’ve chosen to feature pieces inspired by trees and forests similar to the ones that the Kings Mountain Fire Brigade defends every day. Here are the pieces we’ll feature at this art show:
Redwood series
10” x 44” x 2”
Birch Series
(20” x 20” x 2”)
Life Cycle of the Western White Pine
32” x 32” x 2”
forest glen
8” x 32” x 2”
About the Fundraiser
This art fair has raised funds for the Kings Mountain Elementary School and Volunteer Fire Brigade for over 50 years.
The Kings Mountain Elementary School is currently at risk of shutting down due to budget cuts. This is the fifth time that the district has threatened to close the school in recent years due to a lack of funds, and every time the community has come together to save it. This school teaches 70 children grades K-5th.
The Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade is the first line of defense for fires in the redwood forests of Kings Mountain. They respond to over 300 emergency calls each year including:
Structure fires
Wildland fires
Vehicle fires
Rope rescues
Hazardous material spills
To ensure that proceeds are donated to these organizations, the Kings Mountain Art Fair is 100% run by volunteers. There are no corporate sponsors, no tax dollars, and no grants for this show, but it is still the #1 fine art show in Northern California.
The Kings Mountain Art Fair is the most impressive virtual show we’ve seen.
One of the features that makes the virtual art fair exceptional is that we can talk to our clients in real time during the show. This is a fantastic feature that we have not had with any other shows this year. Now we can take part in our favorite part of art shows: interacting with the crowd. And we can do it straight from our studio.
It’s difficult to feel connected to a community in a pandemic, but being in Kings Mountain Art Festival has always meant being part of a small, close community that cares for each other. Most of our shows are very big and while it is easy to find a connection to individual people, it can be difficult to feel a close connection to the community as a whole. Kings Mountain, however, gives us that opportunity. We love being able to meet all the volunteers who put on the show and get to know them personally. Many have bought our work and all have given us a great reception. Having a 100% volunteer-run show gives it a special feeling of community and camaraderie and we are happy to be a part of the Kings Mountain family.
We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Kings Mountain Art Fair.
They have been one of the most supportive shows this year by staying in contact with us, keeping us updated, and putting on the most expertly crafted virtual art show we have been involved in this year. These times have been incredibly challenging to us and all artists, and to have the support of shows like the Kings Mountain Art Fair and all the people involved definitely makes things easier. So if you’d like to support us, the art fair, and 2 amazing causes, RSVP today!