101 works of art at “plein air” paint out
From staff reports
Artists have long known what others were to learn when the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park was designated by viewers of Good Morning America as “the most beautiful place in America”. This was certainly the case on Saturday, Aug. 4, as 60 artists from Leelanau County, throughout Michigan and the Midwest set out for a day of painting “en plein air”. Their aim was to capture either the natural beauty of the area’s beaches, historic farms and forested areas or paint the charm of some of Glen Arbor’s most visited establishments.
At the end of a grueling hot day with temps reaching into the 90s, the artists returned 101 works of art to be entered into the Glen Arbor Art Association’s annual “Wet Painting Sale” and Reception. In a brisk 100 minutes, 43 works were purchased — making this year’s event one of the most successful in its four-year history.
Mary McNichols, faculty member at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, was the event’s 2012 guest juror and summing up her impression: “The work submitted was very strong; I was impressed by the artists’ sensitive portrayal of the beaches, farmlands, hills and structures of the area.” McNichols awarded first prize to Bellaire artist Mary Guntzviller for her watercolor painting of Crystal River, second prize to Margaret Schrimpf of Cincinnati and Lake Leelanau for her painting titled “Old Homestead”, and third prize to Lori Feldpausch, Marshall, Mich., for her oil painting of the blacksmith shop in Glen Haven. This year’s People’s Choice award, determined by those attending the reception, went to Chicago artist David Westerfield for “Two Beers, Please”, an oil painting of Art’s Tavern.
Due to the early popularity of the Paint Out event this year, the GAAA organized a second event. Quick Draw at Thoreson Farm attracted 40 artists who painted the rural landscape and farm buildings in a challenging two-hour time frame. Visitors were able to stroll around the farm and watch the artists at work. An “on the easel” exhibit was juried by Chicago artist and seasonal resident Chips Feeley before the “off the easel” wet painting sale and reception. First prize was awarded to David Westerfield, Glenview Ill., for his painting of the farm’s birch trees; second prize to Sue Quinlan, Lake Leelanau, for her pastel “Pathway”, and third place to Suttons Bay summer artist Neil Walling for “Thoreson Home”.
This year’s Paint Out weekend grossed over $16,000. Sixty percent of art sales went to the artists and 40 percent to GAAA to support community programs. Plans are already in the making for the 2013 Saturday Plein Air Paint Out, as well as the Friday night Quick Draw, which will be at a yet-to-be-announced new location. Stay tuned.
