Glen Arbor Art Association holds second annual Paint Out

From staff reports

It was so much fun; we’re going to do it again! The Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA) will host its second annual Plein Air Paint Out and Wet Paint Sale/Reception on Saturday, August 7. Last year 39 artists participated. They start the day by having their canvases or papers date stamped early in the morning then scattering throughout the area to begin a day of plein air painting.

Plein air painting refers to the technique of painting out of doors, which was initiated by the French Impressionists in the mid-nineteenth century. The challenge is to paint or draw directly and spontaneously from nature even as those conditions are constantly changing. At the end of the day artists return with their completed works ready for display at a wet painting sale and reception. That’s when it starts to get a little crazy and a lot of fun.

The artists return with their paintings late in the afternoon and volunteers scramble to install the works for the juried exhibit and sale. This year’s juror is Marcia Bellinger, former owner of Bellstone Gallery in Traverse City. There will be three cash awards for first, second and third place.

The public is invited to the 5:30-7:30 p.m. sale and reception, which offers the opportunity to purchase one of the paintings, sample wines provided by the Leelanau County Vintners Association and food tasting. “ This is when the fun begins for those of us who’d love to purchase a work of art that captures the beauty of this area,” said Linda Young, GAAA President. “The works are sold on a ‘first come’ basis so there is a scramble to select and purchase paintings. Volunteers work quickly to attach red sold dots. Forty percent of the sales benefit GAAA programs.”

“It is an exciting two-part event,” continued Young, “a day in the county for the artists and then the sale and reception where we can all celebrate and enjoy the beauty and bounty of Leelanau County. Last summer’s Paint Out brought a really good response from artists and the community so we know this year is going to be a fun day for all.”

A $10 per adult donation for entry to the exhibit and sale is requested to support GAAA’s programming.

For more information please go to www.glenarborart.org, or call (231) 334-6112.