Call for Plein Air Artists in St. Charles, IL 8/19/24-8/25/24; $5,000 in Awards to Paint Scenes Throughout Kane County

St. Charles, IL February 8, 2024 ... The St. Charles Arts Council has announced their signature community art project for 2024.  They will host a Plein Air – St. Charles event from August 19 thru August 25. Painters from throughout the Midwest will be invited to participate in this event and will be eligible for $5,000 in awards as they paint scenes from throughout Kane County. Entry fee is $40. Artist Prospectus and Registration can be found at: ST. CHARLES ARTS COUNCIL - Home (stcharlesartscouncil.org)

Plein Air painting is the act of painting outdoors, as contrasted with painting in a studio.  Artists paint what is in front of them during a specific time frame.  Literally 95% of plein air paintings are completed outdoors.

Plein Air – St. Charles will include events celebrating creativity throughout the week.  Artist demonstrations, Quick Paint competitions open to community members as well as registered artists, nocturnal paint events, a creative writing workshop and family friendly arts and crafts emphasizing the role that creativity plays in mental health well-being will be available to the public.

Steve Puttrich, award winning Plein Air artist, will serve as judge of this event.  Steve is highly regarded in the Plein Air community and teaches at Chicago’s Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art.

Artwork produced during the weeklong event will be available for purchase to the public.

“We will celebrate the artists and their work on Saturday, August 24 at the Baker Community Center for a FreshPaint Party”, stated Arts Council Executive Director Kathy Hill.  “Getting to meet the artists who created a piece of artwork that you purchase is a magical thing!” The FreshPaint Party will be a ticketed event, with part of the ticket price going towards purchase of a painting.  Awards will be presented at the Saturday evening event, along with musical entertainment, passed appetizers, artist meet and greets, and a cash bar.

“We are excited to bring this art form to the St. Charles community. Established Plein Air festivals draw hundreds of people to witness the artists at work and to purchase these one-of-a-kind art pieces”, Hill said.

For more details, contact Kathryn Hill at info@stcharlesartscouncil.org.