Since the late 1800s, when artists first figured out how to put paint into portable tubes, painters have taken their art out of doors. Plein Air is French for “open air†and artists around the world still continue the Plein Air tradition.
This month, painters and sculptors in Idyllwild are following in the footsteps of Monet and Renoir as they stop outside for the Art Alliance of Idyllwild’s 10th Annual Plein Air Festival.
The festival, which is paired this year with the AAI’s 3-Dimensional Art Show, takes place on the weekend of June 10-12, 2011. Pete and Trisha Daly, along with the Quiet Creek Inn, are sponsoring the festival. All events are free and open to the public.
On Friday evening, from 7-9, a panel of artists will start the festivities at the Loft at the Quiet Creek Inn (26345 Delano Drive in Idyllwild). Enjoy refreshments while you watch a demonstration and participate in the discussion and Q and A.
From 8 am Saturday morning, until 5 in the afternoon, watch artists at work in the most charming and pictorial areas of Idyllwild. Observe painters as they transform blank canvases into original works of art and sculptors as they create fine works from a host of materials. Check in at the Village Center Gazebo to pick up a map of the Plein Air artists’ locations.
On Sunday, from 9 am until 1 pm, The Quiet Creek Inn will host a Champagne Reception in its ‘Living Room’ gallery. A “surprise†group of judges will decide the awards and everyone will have a chance to purchase their favorite Plein Air creations as well as other works from participating artists.
If you’re a lover of 3-D art, stop by the AAI Galleries to see the latest creations of their featured artists:
Everitt’s Minerals & Gallery is featuring, ” Lisa Lindahl’s Ocean Life Bronzes Mounted on Granite,” along with ceramics by David Salk and Trudy Levy, gourd art by Elizabeth Green, rock painting by Kathleen Chaney, hand crafted pine needle baskets by Elea Allson, and mixed media works by Marcia Cox. Be sure to check out the lovely silver jewelry and creations made with fossils and stones by Larry and Janet Everitt.
Florist in the Forest Gallery is showcasing the work of Idyllwild artist Karin Hedstrom. A native of Sweden, Hedstrom has worked as an illustrator for magazines and book covers. Most of her current work is in clay, bronze and watercolor.
Four Corners Gallery will display the subtle, thoughtful and functional glazed pottery of local artist and Tai Chi master Trudy Levy.
Quiet Creek Living Room Gallery will show unique carved porcelain vessels by Ojai ceramicist Leslie Thompson, raku pottery by Arizona’s Paul Gregg and original ceramic pieces by Oregon potter, Gregg Kennedy.
The 2011 Plein Air and 3-D Art Festival is part of an annual series of art events hosted by the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. The Art Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting local artists and galleries and enhancing the town’s reputation as one of the top art towns in America.
For more information: www.artinidyllwild.com or 877-439-5278
