Art Swarm
Wed, Sep 03
|Downtown Cary
The Fine Arts League of Cary is launching ART SWARM, a five-day community art event from September 3-7, 2025, in Downtown Cary. Unlike traditional art festivals, ART SWARM focuses on the creative process, inviting plein-air painters, studio artists, and local students to make art in public spaces.


Time & Location
Sep 03, 2025, 8:00 AM – Sep 07, 2025, 8:00 PM
Downtown Cary, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511, USA
Tickets
The Studio Experience
The Fine Arts League of Cary is excited to offer visual artists the opportunity to participate in The Studio Experience. As a selected Studio Experience Artist, you’ll share a studio space with fellow creatives, engage with the local art community, chat with visitors (and potential buyers!), and create and share your art on-site.
$125.00
+$3.13 ticket service fee
Plein Air: Exhibiting
This ticket includes an invitation to exhibit at Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Create in any medium you like, but to exhibit at the Page-Walker show, your 2D piece must be stamped with the official ArtSwarm25 mark at registration on September 3 at the Cary Arts Center. Bring as many surfaces as you like. Exhibition pieces must be 2D, no larger than 30x40 inches, and under 50 lbs. Deliver stamped work to Page-Walker on September 6.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Plein Air: Non-Exhibiting
This ticket does not include being exhibited at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Pick your perfect spot from our map of suggested Cary locations and create in any medium you like. New to plein air? Join FALC’s full-day “Introduction to Plein Air” workshop with award-winning artist Lily Braff on July 31—details coming soon on the FALC website.
$30.00
+$0.75 ticket service fee
Reception at Page-Walker
This ticket provides access to the exhibition and cocktails on Sunday, Sep 7th 3-5PM
$5.00
+$0.13 ticket service fee
Workshop: Watery Worlds
Watery Worlds: Painting with Acrylic Inks With Artist Susan Stott Miller 9/3 (Morning) Using acrylic inks, water, brush, pen and paper, you will create whimsical watery worlds with creatures, symbols, botanicals and designs. In doing so, you will learn how easy and fun it is to use the vibrant pigments of acrylic inks. This workshop is for all levels.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Portrait Basics
Portrait Painting Basics With Artist Kelly Oakes Learn methods for successful portrait painting, including compositional choices, proportion, form, and dynamic color. Participants will benefit from artist demonstrations and discussions, as well as time to paint and experiment. This workshop is for all levels.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Zentangle
Zentangle With Artist Cathy Boytos 9/4 (Morning) Discover the wonders of Zentangle in this special workshop. Cathy Boytos will guide you step-by-step through the process of using simple lines and patterns to create stunningly intricate designs. A great class for beginners and experienced artists alike. This workshop is for all levels.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Cold Wax
Experiments in Mixed Media with Oil and Cold Wax With Artist Cheryl McCardle 9/4 (Afternoon) This workshop will introduce you to ways to paint in oil and cold wax using various mixed media as a way to enhance your paintings. We will cover some of the basic cold wax application methods and tips on color and com[position.This workshop will offer discussion, demonstrations, lots of painting time and individual critiques to guide you in your process. This workshop is for all levels.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Pet Portraits
Pet Portraits With Artist Maureen Scullin 9/5 (Morning) Join Maureen for a fun one-day art workshop focused on painting your favorite pets—cats, dogs, and birds. Using photo references, Maureen will guide you step-by-step, whether you work in oil or acrylic. You’ll learn how to design your composition, draw your subject, and complete a painting you’ll be proud to show off. This workshop is for all levels.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Impressionistic
The Impressionistic Landscape in Oil With Artist Gio Argentati 9/5 (Afternoon) Join artist Gio Argentati in painting luminous landscapes with vibrant color and bold brushwork. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, you’ll learn to capture light, color, and atmosphere. Explore the impressionistic palette, color theory and mixing, the “broken color” technique for a stained-glass effect, and impasto for added texture and interest. Some oil painting experience is strongly recommended.
$60.00
+$1.50 ticket service fee
Workshop: Urban Sketching
Urban Sketching: “Character, Conflict, Setting” - Finding the Story on Location Through Cinematic Paneling and Mixed Media Techniques With Artist Scott Renk 9/6 (All Day) Join artist Scott Renk for a full-day urban sketching workshop set in scenic Cary locations. Learn to uncover the story of a place using three key elements: character, conflict, and setting. With a cinematic approach, you'll explore storyboarding and paneling techniques to bring your sketches to life. All levels welcome!
$120.00
+$3.00 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00