In the late 19th century, a French art movement took painters from the confines of their studios to the great outdoors where they captured natural light and fresh air. More than a century later, this tradition is carried on by modern artists of different mediums.
Scurry County Arts Collective (SCAC) will host Plein Air on the Square this weekend and invites artists to explore and express the outdoor French art movement.
“Plein air is a French term used for a French impressionist painting,” SCAC member Laura Greenwood said. “It literally translates to ‘open air.’”
While the original plein air movement was only for painters, this weekend’s event is open to all artists, whether they be painters, sculptors or photographers.
“This is our second year to have Plein Air,” Greenwood said. “We had really good feedback last year, and we want to see it grow. It’s a good way for artists to paint in the community, and for the community to interact with them.”
Greenwood and other members of SCAC have been working to prepare for the two-day, activity-filled event.
On Friday, Plein Air judge June Musick from Lubbock will hold a painting demonstration that is free and open to the public. Musick is an artist and muralist who teaches art workshops and classes in her community and surrounding cities along with giving private lessons in her Micro-Studio.
Musick’s roles in the art community include being a member of the board of the West Texas Watercolor Society and the Urban Sketchers Lubbock chapter, a former board member of the Art League of West Texas, Western Nevada Watercolor Society, Muralists of Yerington and director of the Fine Arts Department Lyon County Fair.
The painting demonstration will be held at the 1818 Arthouse from 6-8 p.m., and refreshments and a silent auction will be available during that time.
“We’ve had a couple of artists already donate pieces to the auction,” Greenwood said. “The sale of artwork during the event will benefit the Arthouse and the arts collective group.”
On Saturday, Plein Air will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists will be released to the Snyder Downtown Square, as far north as the Santa Fe Depot and as far east as the Triangle Sinclair Station, to create their pieces. During this time, the public is free to observe the artists as they work.
From 3-5 p.m. Saturday, the 1818 Arthouse will be closed for judging. The awards ceremony and reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. and is open to the public. Winners will receive monetary awards.
Artists interested in participating in Plein Air may register through Saturday morning. The 1818 Arthouse will open at 8 a.m. Saturday to register participants. The artist entry fee is $25.
For more information, contact Greenwood or SCAC member Daniel Schlegel Jr. at 573-6107.