The St. Augustine Art Association will host a 10-day, citywide “St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out” April 21-30, calling local, regional and national artists to capture “Impressions of the Flagler Era.”
Artists must pre-register by April 14, after which they may set up during the event at locations in and around St. Augustine as specified on the event map and at the Castillo de San Marcos. A registration fee of $45 includes orientation, an awards mixer, a city tour, support staff and materials, wet room and more. Information and registration forms can be found at www.staaa.org/pleinair. Artists may work in the field on any number of days, abiding by paint out guidelines and maps which can be found at www.stjohnspleinair.com.
Selected works produced by the participating artists during the event will be featured in a juried exhibition titled “Gilded,” to be held at the St. Augustine Art Association May 5-28. Images may include the town’s Gilded Age architecture, historic landmarks, the natural environment and other related perspectives. A prize purse of $2,500 will be awarded for outstanding artistic achievement, including a $1,000 Best in Show.
The 2017 St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out was developed in partnership with several organizations in anticipation of the upcoming "Dressing Downton" Exhibition at the Lightner Museum and to enhance St. Augustine’s cultural community. Partners include the St. Johns Cultural Council, City of St. Augustine, St. Augustine plein air Task Force, National Parks Service, Lightner Museum, Art Galleries of St. Augustine and Tourist Development Council.
“With the support of the art and civic communities, we hope this will grow into an annual tradition,” said Elyse Brady, Art Association executive director. “Together, we’re building on the success of last year’s Find Your Park Plein Air event that commemorated the National Parks Centennial.”
