Laurel will be host to the Fourth Annual Paint Laurel Plein Air on Saturday, May 10 along the banks of the Broad Creek in Janosik Park.
En plein air, a French phrase meaning “in open air,” describes the process of painting a landscape outdoors. Plein air painting can be traced back to Impressionist artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Pissaro – painting outdoors and capturing fleeting moments of light, color, atmosphere, and the mood of a scene, rather than detailed representations. Artists working in oil, acrylic, pastel or watercolor will be setting up their easels in Laurel’s parks, along its streets and throughout the beautiful surrounding farms and natural areas to capture the essence of a spring day in western Sussex County. Several award-winning landscape artists from throughout the region have registered to participate.
This fun, informal painting event in the morning will be followed by an opportunity for artists, collectors, and other visitors to view and purchase the finished pieces during a public art walk and “wet paint sale” starting at 11:30 a.m. in Janosik Park. Over the past three years, more than $10,000 in framed artwork has been sold. Patrons and collectors are encouraged to get there early to make their purchases, since sales can be brisk. There is no entrance fee for anyone who wishes to attend the event.
Photo from previous Paint Laurel Plein Air
Brian Shannon, executive director of the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, which co-sponsors the event, expressed excitement for this annual paint-out. “The Laurel community has really embraced this annual event and everyone looks forward to seeing how each artist captures what makes Laurel such a special place. I’m also excited to see new faces from outside the community join us in downtown Laurel for the wet-paint sale.”
A total of $1,500 in artist awards represents four distinct categories. Judging is done by a select group of community stakeholders who have a special relationship with each respective award:
1. One Laurel Award ($400 for the painting that best portrays Laurel’s community pride/spirit)
2. Grand Old Laurel Award ($400 for the painting that best depicts Laurel’s rich history and tradition)
3. Great Things Come Naturally Award ($400 for the painting that best features Laurel’s nature-based assets)
4. Artist’s Choice Award ($300)
Paint Laurel Plein Air is co-organized and funded in part by the University of Delaware’s Sustainable Communities Initiative in collaboration with the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation. Research shows that communities with vibrant arts and cultural scenes are more desirable to live in, have greater economic stability, and attract a more diverse and educated workforce. Ed Lewandowski, the event co-founder and a community development specialist with Delaware Sea Grant at the University of Delaware, said, “Love for your community leads to economic growth. Data from a three-year study showed a significant link between resident attachment and local GDP growth, with the arts as a critical contributing factor.”
This year’s field of plein air artists will be coming to Laurel from as far away as Alexandria, VA and Cornwall, NY, but Lewandowski said he is really pleased by the support of local artists. “We have numerous participants from the Eastern Shore who are making another appearance at Paint Laurel and several artists are from western Sussex County.”
Paint Laurel Plein Air info can be found online at www.paintlaurelpleinair.net.
