FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Richard Carrell 850/648-9433
Natalie Shoaf 850/227-4355
March 12, 2007
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES OF
FORGOTTEN COAST IN GREAT PAINT-OUT MAY 10-20, 2007
Watch Artists at Work, Purchase Your Favorite Painting,
Party It Up On the French Rivera
PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA: Don’t be surprised if you see brush and palette-wielding artists everywhere from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola in the panhandle of Florida this May. Over 25 nationally acclaimed plein air artists will document the landscapes and the people who inhabit them with paint and canvas in a “paint-out” from May 10-20, 2007. This event is presented by the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) and supported by the St. Joe Company.
Plein air means open air and originated in 19th century Europe at a time when the countryside had become more accessible, portable paint tubes had been invented, and artists were trusting their own vision in finding truth in nature. These artists, many of whom became known as Impressionists, began experimenting with the changing quality of light throughout the day. True plein air painting is done on location, capturing the atmosphere of the moment no matter the conditions. Most artists agree this is the true test of skill as it requires complete confidence in placement of color and brushwork in a short amount of time. If the sun has set, the painting is done.
Hailing from Maine to California to South Florida, today’s plein air artists (see enclosed bios) will paint on location in Apalachicola, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Eastpoint, St George Island, Windmark Beach, and Wewahitchka from May 10-19, 2007. Visitors are welcomed to watch them in action. For locations and schedules, please contact Richard Carrell at 850/648-9433 or Natalie Shoaf 850-227-4355 or visit http://pleinair.gulfalliance.org/.
Approximately 250 paintings from this “paint-out” will be displayed for purchase (Visa and MasterCard accepted) on May 16, 2007 in the artist’s Wet Room located in The Apalachicola Museum of Art which is housed in the Historic Fry Conter House (96 5th Street). An Artist/Patron reception will be held this evening.
The grand finale for the “paint-out” will be the Patrons Extravaganza with the theme of ‘Plein Air on the French Riviera’. This event will be held at Windmark Beach Town Center on May 19, 2007. This elegant, yet casual, celebration will feature a delicious dinner under the stars with dancing and entertainment. The cost is $100 per person and checks should be made out to the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts. For more information and reservations, call Natalie Shoaf 850-227-4355.
On Sunday, May 20 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm, all of these paintings, in keeping with the spirit of the natural settings that inspired them, will be on view amid the native landscape of St Joe Beach, where the entire community can view them and meet the artists. Admission is free.
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