Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Cindy Clancy of Thermopolis found a place to put her easel next to the swinging bridge along the terrace in Hot Springs State Park during the 2019 Plein Air event.
The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with Wyoming State Parks and Sagebrush Artisans, will be hosting the second Plein Air in the Parks event this month in Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis on Sept. 11-15.
Plein Air in the Parks seeks to engage regional and youth artists in the legacy of creating art on-site outdoors, all while exploring the rich landscapes of Wyoming, according to Gary Schoene, public information officer for Wyoming State Parks.
Artists are invited to participate through one or all of the days, and the public is invited to attend a variety of events throughout the week.
Check-in starts Wednesday at noon and then Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m.
Artists can pre-register online and walk-in registrations are welcome, according to Sagebrush Artisans member Sherry Stottler.
FREE ARTIST WORKSHOPS
Additionally, there will be two workshops on plein air techniques and guided park tours for artists from park rangers.
The two free beginner workshops will be presented for those new to "plein air" (outdoor) painting or just want a refresher before they go out on their own for the week, Stottler explained
Cindy Clancy, a Thermopolis artist, will lead a workshop on Thursday morning where attendees will "learn tips and tricks on how to pick a plein air location while exploring composition and design to give your art your unique point of view."
Then on Saturday morning, Worland artists Victoria Bales and Carolyn Wostenberg will share their expertise for "novice plein air artists to learn and enjoy the practices of plein air painting."
ARTIST MINGLE
An "Artist Mingle" sponsored by the Sagebrush Artisans guild invites artists to meet Sunday morning after they've turned in their artworks at the Safari Club Lounge in the Hot Springs Hotel from 11 am – 1 pm prior to going to the hotel's conference room for the public reception and awards. The Plein Air in the Parks culminates in a reception, show and sale on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1-3 p.m at the Hot Springs Hotel conference room.
At the show and sale, artists are able to show the work they completed during their time in the park while guests can browse and purchase the work. Outside jurors will award cash prizes totaling over $2,000. Youth and teen categories will be judged separately. A People's Choice Award is selected by attendees at the reception, show and sale.
Plein Air in the Parks events are intended to open and close the busy season of Wyoming State Parks. This collaboration between the Wyoming Arts Council and State Parks aims to highlight the stunning landscapes of our state while engaging with artists and community members through these events.
Registration can be found https://pleinairintheparks-hotsprings.eventbrite.com
For more information on these events please visit, wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/plein-air-in-the-parks.
WATCH THE ARTISTS WORK
Stottler said that there is no cost for this unique opportunity to see so many artists at one time working outdoors. The public is invited to drop by the park any time during the days from Wednesday through Saturday to watch these artists paint the many extraordinary scenes. Artists will be happy to talk with you as they are painting and explain their purpose and passion for producing art in such beautiful surroundings.
Stottler said, "We are honored to help sponsor this event in our neighbor town which offers one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the state of Wyoming. We look forward to hosting all the community and visitors who will come to see the creativity, talent and joy there is in outdoor painting."
