Glen Arbor Art Association’s 2014 Paint Out another success
From staff reports
It was all about art in Glen Arbor, August 1-2, at the Glen Arbor Art Association’s sixth annual Plein Air Paint Out weekend. One of the largest plein air events in Michigan, attracting both artists and art collectors, the 2014 Paint Out featured 45 artists who participated for the Quick Draw on Friday afternoon and over 50 artists at the main event on Saturday.
Historic Glen Haven was selected for this year’s Quick Draw, which drew about 150 visitors to the “wet paint” exhibit and quick sale. “The idea behind a quick draw is to challenge artists to create a work in under two hours”, said Linda Young, Paint Out chair. “This year’s location was a special attraction as we were able to hold the exhibit at the historic inn and a park interpreter, Marie Scott, provided short guided tours. The crowds were great with people arriving early to watch the artists at work—visitors arrived by car, rode bikes and walked from the heritage bike trail, and even came right off the beach in swim suits.”
The completed art is sold right off the easel and the Quick Sale lasts only one hour. Forty works were sold in less than one hour. “You have to be quick in making your decision which goes along with the spirit of the afternoon,” continued Young. “One very rewarding aspect of the Quick Draw is that it attracts both artists who use the Quick Draw as a warm up for Saturday, as well as newer and novice artists who are not quite ready to participate in a traditional Paint Out. There is such a thrill and affirmation when you sell your first painting and we love to see that happen.”
On Saturday, registered artists may paint anywhere in the area and then enter up to two work to entered into the Wet Painting sale which was judged for prizes by Jason Dake, Curator of Education at the Dennos Museum Center. Ninety paintings competed for over $500 in cash awards. First place was awarded to Sandra DiFazio, Milan, Michigan, for her oil painting “Dune View #4”, second place went to Michael Lowery, Grand Ledge, Michigan, for his watercolor “Blue Shirt”, and third prize to Traverse City artist Joan Richmond for her gouche painting “Docks & Dunes”.
The Northwoods Hardware People’s Choice award also went to Michael Lowery for his “Blue Shirt”, a watercolor painting of an Empire farmhouse. “Everyone was taken with this painting which is of an everyday scene of a white farmhouse on a summer’s day with clothes drying on the line—including one bright blue shirt”, said Peg McCarty, GAAA director. “Several people wanted the painting so we had to resort to drawing straws, which is pretty common at the Wet Painting Sale.” Sixty percent commission goes to the artist and forty per cent to support GAAA. “This event truly reflects the mission of the art association,” said McCarty. “We support the development of artists and encourage people to have the enjoyment of purchasing original art. Our volunteers are already making plans for next year.”
