Eastern Shore Art Center hosting 3rd Annual outdoor painting event Plein Air Fairhope!
Each day, the Eastern Shore Art Center welcomes tourists and newcomers reveling in the beauty of this “artsy, little Alabama town”. From public sculptures and the city’s murals to the numerous galleries and shops, one doesn’t have to look too hard to find color, texture, and creativity.
Three years ago, the Eastern Shore Art Center staff began working with local artist and instructor, Cat Pope, to implement ESAC’s first plein air paint out. “Our goal was to encourage local and visiting artists to explore our fair city, seeking out idyllic locales and inspirational nooks and crannies,” says Academy Director Reanna Watson.
This year’s paint out beginning Nov 1st and ending on Nov 6th, will give locals and visitors a chance to see artists in action or “en plein air”! Forty artists will be set up from sunrise to sunset around town. Throughout the event, artists will be dropping off finished works (framed and unframed) for sale in the ESAC Wet Room! These pieces will be on view and available for purchase through 3pm on Friday, Nov 5th.
In preparation for the opening reception during First Friday Art Walk, Nov 5th, each artist will select two of their most prized pieces created during the event and exhibit them in the same gallery after the wet room closes out. The exhibit will be judged by Craig Reynolds and will be on display through December 30th. The Best of Show award winner decided upon by Reynolds will receive $500 sponsored by Prestwood Law Firm.
Watson further comments, “Just as the traditional plein air paintings of the mid 19th century allowed someone to experience a foggy morning in the Adirondack mountains, the Plein Air Fairhope exhibit will be full of art that will allow individuals to experience the natural light of our city.”
Event Details: Painters will be set up November 1-6, 2021 (Sunrise to Sunset)
Free for the public to walk around. Map with suggested painted zones available online.
Exhibition of painted work is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm.
NOV 2 @ 1 – 2 pm Gallery Talk: Craig Reynolds, Plein Air Fairhope 2021 judge, will give a Gallery Talk and painting demo in the Whiting Gallery. $15 for Plein Air Fairhope participants. $20 for the public.
NOV 5 @ 6 – 8 pm Reception: Please join us for the November First Friday Art Walk! Live music and refreshments served. We will present the award for “Best of Show” and the exhibit will officially be open to the public.
NOV 6 @ 9 – 10 am Quick Draw: Participating artists and the community are invited to paint in a one-hour Quick Draw! The event will be held in the park to the left of Fairhope Pier. Free to all Plein Air Fairhope artists. Public may participate for a donation to ESAC. The prize for the 2021 Quick Draw is sponsored by The Fairhope Store and Lisette Normann.
Proceeds to benefit the Eastern Shore Art Center’s community outreach efforts.
For more info, contact: Adrienne Clow, Marketing Director at Adrienne@esartcenter.org or 928-2228 ext 103. Visit www.esartcenter.org, Facebook, or Twitter for daily updates.
