Interested in discovering your inner artist?
If so, opportunity awaits at the inaugural “Plein Air” Artist Event, a free community gathering celebrating creativity in the great outdoors.
The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, on the grassy area next to Foster Lake and the Edgewater at Foster townhomes on the far east side, closest to Hwy. 20.
Organized by SHOCASE members, the event invites artists of all skill levels – from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals – to create art “en plein air,” the French term meaning “in the open air.” Whether your passion is painting, pencil drawing, jewelry making, clay sculpting, sidewalk chalk art, or even coloring books, this is your opportunity to express your creativity and share it with others.
“I’ve always loved art,” said organizer Satina Tolman, who has been making art since she was young. “There are a lot of really good artists in Sweet Home. I’ve wanted to do this for years.”
Plein Air (“plin air”) painting emphasizes working with the subject in full view of the artist, capturing natural light, colors, and atmosphere of a scene directly from observation rather than working from sketches or photographs, as is common with studio painting.
Tolman said she has worked with water colors for years after starting as a kid with pencil and acrylic art.
She said she’s seen plein air painters as she has traveled and she has “always thought that Sweet Home is such a beautiful place, with natural beauty” that would lend itself to a plein air approach.
To participate, artists are asked to:
- Bring your own art supplies. (Only some paper, watercolor supplies, and colored pencils will be provided for anyone who feels inspired and wants to try their hand at art.)
- Bring a chair and an easel if you need one. Some tables will be provided. If you will take up a whole table, please bring your own.
- Enjoy the company of fellow artists as you work on your own projects.
- Demonstrate your skills, exchange ideas, and inspire others!
Non-Artists are encouraged to:
- Come and watch artists at work.
- Possibly try your hand at art with some limited supplies available. Tolman said some watercolor supplies, colored pencils, coloring books and sidewalk chalk will be available for those who come unprepared to act on their inspiration.
“This is a family-friendly event designed to celebrate the joy of creating and experiencing art in the natural beauty of Sweet Home,” she said.
Limited parking may be available on the dirt lot on the north side of Hwy. 20 just past 60th Avenue. Additional parking is available in the paved lot on the corner of Foster Dam Rd. and
In the event of rain or high wind, the event will be canceled.