Lighthouse Art Center‘s (LAC) 9th Annual Plein Air Festival brings together thirty award-winning artists from all over the country to compete and capture the beauty of local scenes through the practice of painting “in the open air” or “en plein air.” The festival takes place March 27 – April 3, 2022 and includes free artist demonstrations, workshops, events, and wet art for purchase. The festivities begin on Sunday, March 27 with a “Paint Out Competition” at the historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens; March 28 – March 31, the artists provide free live demonstrations in the most picturesque places throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties; April 1 is the “Collectors’ Party & Sale” at the LAC Gallery; the festival ends on April 2 at the LAC Gallery with an art sale, “Battle of the Brushes” live painting competition, and an Awards Ceremony. The art will be displayed throughout the week and is available for purchase at Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. The artist demonstrations and events at LAC are free and open to the public. A list of the participating artists and a full schedule of events and details can be found at lighthousearts.org/pleinair.
“The Plein Air Festival celebrates our local landscapes and landmarks,” said Lighthouse ArtCenter’s CEO, Nancy Politsch. “These participating artists are known to be the best of the best in their art form and they are here to capture our community through their painting. Come enjoy the free live demonstrations, the events and workshops, and buy some fresh art for your home or office.”
Known to be the premier Plein Air Festival in the Southeastern United States, the carefully selected artists come to the Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Plein Air Festival to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. The artist’s work will be judged by Patrick Saunders. Saunders is an award-winning artist who travels North America, creating fine art, teaching painting workshops, and judging painting competitions. He began plein air painting in 2013 and has earned awards from numerous nationally recognized events.
Free artist demonstrations take place in picturesque locations from 9 – 11am on March 28 – 31. Monday, March 28 from 9am – 11am, Artist Marc Anderson will be painting at the House of Refuge Museum located at 301 SE MacArthur Boulvard, Stuart, FL 34996. The stunning scenery provides a breathtaking setting to learn about creating beautiful plein air. Tuesday, March 29, Artist Natalia Andreeva will be painting at the Juno Beach Pier and focusing on the logic behind making decisions on picking subject and mixing color. Wednesday March 30, 9 – 11am, Mary Hertler Tallman will be using pastels to show the light and shadow in the picturesque DuBois Park. Thursday, March 31, Artist Richard Sneary will be doing a watercolor paint demonstration at the stunning Port Salerno Waterfront District. All of the paintings can be viewed and will be available for purchase at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery. Real-time updates are available on instagram @lighthousearts.
Three of the exceptional artists will be offering in-person workshops for all levels starting at $125. Neil Hughes is offering 2-day workshop, “Interpreting the Landscape,” March 30 – 31. The workshop will discuss and demonstrate technique and various approaches to the applications of the paint giving students the opportunity to paint and receive individual instruction. Carl Bretzke’s “Painting Sunset and Dusk,” takes place April 2 from 4:30-8:30pm starting at the LAC and traveling to DuBois Park. The mini-workshop will focus on painting sunset and dusk and will include a slide presentation, demo, and a group paint out during the sunset with individual help. Then on April 3, Erin Dertner is offering a full day of oil painting instruction, demos, and painting in “Afraid of Color and Texture?”
About Lighthouse ArtCenter:
Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery & School of Art is 501c(3) not-for-profit founded in 1964 by eight artists and Christopher Norton. The ArtCenter is dedicated to the visual arts whose mission is to inspire, engage and connect our community through a vibrant school of art, unique exhibitions and diverse special events. The center has grown into a three-building campus consisting of a Gallery & 2D Studio, 3D Studio, and a Jewelry & Textile Studio. Supported by memberships, tuition, grants, and donations, Lighthouse ArtCenter serves over 20,000 visitors, 3000 students, 45 faculty members, 400 summer art campers, and a comprehensive outreach program to benefit under-served populations. For more information visit https://www.lighthousearts.org.
Calendar Listing:
March 27 – April 2, 2022, Lighthouse ArtCenter presents the 9th Annual Plein Air Festival with thirty award-winning artists from all over the country coming together to compete and capture local scenes through the practice of painting “in the open air” or “en plein air.” The festival includes free artist demonstrations, workshops, events, and fresh art for sale. On Sunday, March 27 the festival begins with a Paint Out Competition at the historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens; March 28 – March 31, the artists provide free live demonstrations in the most picturesque places throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties; April 1 is the “Collectors’ Party & Sale” at the LAC Gallery; the festival ends on April 2 at the LAC Gallery with an art sale, “Battle of the Brushes” live painting competition and an Awards Ceremony. The art will be displayed throughout the week and is available for purchase at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. A list of the participating artists and a full schedule of events can be found at lighthousearts.org/pleinair.