Call to artists for Danville’s 3rd Plein Air Paint Out
By Lindsay Doty
For many artists, there is something uniquely satisfying about putting the brush to canvas in the open air. It is the concept behind Danville’s 3rd Artists Paint the Town, A Plein Air Paint Out competition planned for Saturday, August 15.
The competition, hosted by Danville’s Gallery on the Square, invites artists from all skill sets to bring their own supplies and choose their subject matter throughout Danville.
Past painting subjects have ranged from the water slides at the Gill Family Aquatic Center to the details of the downtown square.
“It is always exciting to see people painting in the square, right in front of the Mayberry, the Royal, or out by the haunted bridge and the creeks,” said Flory Phillips, marketing leader for the competition.
The socially-distant event is fitting in a time of coronavirus precautions.
“I feel like it is one thing that we can continue,” she said.
Organizers are calling all artists, both professional and non-professional (students and kids welcome) to participate.
For the first time, the art will be judged in categories to give hobbyists and newbies a chance at prizes against the pros.
“I am excited that we added all those divisions. There are artists all over the place who will now have a chance to win,” says Phillips.
The painting will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then, judging will at the train station at Ellis Park, followed an awards ceremony with cash prizes and ribbons at 6 p.m. The prizes were donated by local sponsors and range from $25 for the youth division to $500 for Best in Show. Divisions are professional, non-professional, teen (13-17), and youth (12 and under).
The winning paintings will be on display and put up for sale at the Gallery on the Square until September 15.
For the first time, artists will also have the option to sell their work on the same day at the new GOTS (Gallery Off the Square) Art Fair to be held in Ellis Park near the train station from Noon-6:30 p.m. on the same day.
What: Artists Paint the Town, A Plein Air Paint Out
Where: Gallery on the Square, 51 S Washington St. Danville
When: Saturday, August 15
Check-in: 7:00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.
Up to 3 canvas can be stamped. One can be turned in for judging.
Competition runs: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Awards: 6:00 p.m.
What: GOTS Art Fair
Where: Ellis Park near the Train Station
When: Noon – 6:30 p.m.
The fee is $25 for Plein Air artists and $50 for all other artists.
To register to paint or to learn more, visit http://www.indianaartgallery.com/ or call (317) 753-3038.
