EDENTON — A biennial tradition celebrating the intersection of art and history returns to Edenton this weekend, as the Cupola House Association presents Easels in the Gardens on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18.
The two-day event pairs en plein air artists with some of the town’s most distinctive private and public green spaces, inviting visitors to watch original works take shape in real time among spring blooms and historic architecture. This year’s tour spans 10 private gardens and four public spaces, most within Edenton’s historic district, where seasonal displays of azaleas, dogwoods, and boxwood gardens provide a backdrop alongside statuary, vine-covered walls, and garden structures.
What sets the event apart from a conventional garden tour is the element of live artistry — and the invitation to engage with it.
“The concept is simple but distinctive,” said Clara Stage, a co-organizer of the event. “Guests move from garden to garden while artists work en plein air, capturing the beauty of spring blooms, historic architecture, and natural light.”
The approach draws on a long artistic tradition. Organizers say the format takes inspiration from the French Impressionists, who popularized outdoor painting as a discipline, making Edenton’s storied streetscapes a natural fit. Artists welcome conversation throughout the tour, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about techniques, inspirations, and creative backgrounds as each piece comes to life.
This year’s edition is notably larger than past events. Forty-nine artists are participating — roughly twice the number from previous years. The Chowan Arts Council has also returned as a partner, contributing an Art in Bloom exhibit to this year’s programming.
“We do have some interesting variations this year with the large number of artists — 49, twice the number from previous years — and partnering with the Chowan Arts Council again for an Art in Bloom exhibit,” Stage said.
Artwork will be available for purchase throughout both days, with mobile pay stations set up across the tour. The weekend culminates Saturday evening with a Garden Art Show and Sale from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cupola House, featuring music, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to meet the participating artists. Admission tickets cover both tour days and include entry to the Saturday evening reception.
Proceeds from Easels in the Gardens support preservation and educational programming tied to the Cupola House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1758 and maintained by a volunteer association committed to its stewardship.
Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Advance tickets are $60, with group tickets of 15 or more available at $55 per ticket; day-of tickets are $65. North Carolina sales tax applies to all purchases.
Tickets can be purchased online at cupolahouse.org or picked up in person at the Cupola House, 408 S. Broad St., during will-call hours: Thursday, April 16, 1–5 p.m.; Friday, April 17, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; and Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For group ticket inquiries, contact the association at easels@cupolahouse.org or (757) 419-0847.

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