Durham Plein Air/USK at Duke Gardens Meyer Bridge

Make sure you read all details including parking and map instructions as Duke Gardens is under construction.

Grab your travel-friendly painting supplies and/or sketchbook and join us for some art outdoors. All levels and types welcome!

This month we're meeting at Duke Gardens at the Meyer Bridge (the red one in the photo) in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. The event officially starts at 10am, but come whenever you like and start sketching whatever inspires you (some of us arrive closer to 9am). Then, we'll meet at the end for the throwdown at 11:45am at approximately where the photo above was taken.

The regular parking lot is closed due to construction for the new visitor center. You can take public transportation or park in Lot H - see all details at https://gardens.duke.edu/visit/parking/. It also includes instructions for how to pay ($2/hour) and a link for the payment site which you will need to access from your phone.

How to find us
Duke Gardens is big. Here is a pdf map.

1. This Google Maps link leads you to Lot H, which is 1 block north of the gardens. Don't forget to pay to park.
2. There is a pedestrian entrance in the southwest corner of the lot ("Lewis Street Pedestrian entrance") - it's the pinned location on the map here in meetup.
3. Once you enter, take the path on the left-hand side of the visitor info booth toward the Asiatic garden.
4. Take the first or second right and walk until you hit the water. Paint/sketch whatever view you like then meetup around where the header photo was taken for the throwdown.

Event will be canceled in case of severe weather, but not for light rain. I will send an email update from Meetup if this happens, so RSVP here to get the updates (will only send to people who replied yes).

Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
• Bring water and any other beverages or snacks you may want.
• If you don't have an easel or don't prefer standing, bring a folding chair/stool or picnic blanket.
• Make sure you're able to carry your supplies for short to medium distances, depending on your preferred painting location.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Watch out for uneven terrain and signs of heat exhaustion. Hike at your own risk. Stay hydrated.
• Leave the area as you found it or better. Bring any trash out with you.

Want to see more area events like this? I made a website to aggregate figure drawing, plein air, and urban sketching meetups in the area: ncartmeets.com. Find us on Instagram and Bluesky too.