The Umstead Hotel & Spa is excited to welcome contemporary painter Lynn Boggess in his sixth gallery exhibition at The Umstead beginning on May 1 and running through August 30. Best known for his dramatic textured landscapes, Boggess’ works will be featured alongside the 95 carefully curated pieces in the hotel’s permanent art collection, including famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. A bastion of Southern hospitality, The Umstead has earned a triple five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for the fifth consecutive year; notably, there are only five properties in the US and 13 globally that share this distinction.

Boggess’ works will be celebrated and inspire various culinary offerings at The Umstead’s dining venues. Expect specialty cocktails at the Umstead Bar & Lounge, delightful bites during afternoon tea, and dishes woven into the tasting menu at fine dining restaurant Herons. Led by Chef Steven Greene, the Herons’ Art Tour Menu is celebrated for its multi-course experience that seamlessly merges artistry with gastronomy.

Marcelle Kick, Hotel Design Coordinator at The Umstead adds, “Lynn Boggess’ plein air paintings were some of the first works purchased for the property. After the curatorial staff decided on the design theme of “Art in Nature”, Lynn’s style of painting exemplified that direction with his woodland focus and organic imagery and textures. His work invites the outdoors in and is a special part of The Umstead experience.”

Plein Air Painting Demonstration

Taking inspiration from the property’s verdant surroundings, Boggess will have two plein air sessions while his works are in residence. The first will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. This will be complimentary for guests to attend, and light beverages will be served down by the lake.

Artist’s Reception

Boggess’ artist reception will take place on Thursday afternoon, kicking off with another plein air session May 9 starting at 5:30 p.m. with a reception from 7-8 p.m. Attendees can expect to view up to 15 of his works in the gallery along with an opportunity to meet and greet with the celebrated artist. The event costs $35, with light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine to be served. Reservations are highly encouraged by calling The Umstead’s reservations department toll free: (866) 877-4141 or local: (919) 447-4000.

Lynn Boggess’ Work

Growing up in rural West Virginia, the core of Boggess’ works reflect the state’s diverse nature and flora. Earning an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Boggess’ paintings have since transformed from complex postmodern layered imagery to what can now be described as tactile realism; eschewing the use of the traditional brush in favor of a cement trowel. In the best en plein air tradition, he takes to the outdoors in all kinds of weather to create masterful and heroic pieces where “nearly everyone who has walked on a hillside or stood in a wooded grove can hear, smell, and feel the place where [Boggess] stood.”

All of Boggess’ artwork is available for purchase through The Umstead Gift Shop. For inquiries and purchases, interested patrons via email at retail@theumstead.com or call (919) 447-4065.