Fish Creek, Wis. (July 26, 2021) – Peninsula School of Art (PenArt), 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, presents the 16th Annual Door County Plein Air Festival with live and in-person events July 25 through July 31; and an in-person and online exhibition and sale August 1 through 14, 2021.
The Door County Plein Air Festival celebrates the tradition of outdoor painting with 32 invited plein air masters from across the country. Painting from life and the landscape has long been a Door County tradition, and one that has endured evolving styles. The festival’s painters bring a fresh eye to the changing lights and colors, and a variety of styles that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting.
According to Executive Director, Catherine Hoke, “With 10 new artists this year, the invited artists represent the breadth of styles of contemporary plein air painting – from representational, to tonalist and abstract. They also work in a variety of media – watercolor, pastel and oil.”
Beginning July 25, 2021, the first week of the festival offers attendees many opportunities to witness the completion of a masterwork from start to finish. Artists will be painting on location at designated sites throughout the week, including at many local galleries. A complete schedule of locations and events can be found on PenArt’s website at peninsulaschoolofart.org.
“Art making is often a solitary pursuit and as appreciators we only see the completed painting, but during the festival, we have the opportunity to see the creative choices and share in the creative process,” says Hoke.
On Tuesday, July 27, all 32 of the invited artists will participate in sunset paint out in Sister Bay. At dusk, they will bring their completed paintings to the lawn of the newly opened Dorr Hotel for public viewing. One of the festival highlights is the Quick Paint competition, on Saturday, July 31 in Fish Creek. Featured artist’s paintings are completed in less than two hours and are sold via silent auction on the PenArt campus. Kids can join in the fun too, with pick-up painting kits available on a first come-first serve basis at PenArt.
While most events are free and open to the public, Palette Pass ticket holders have exclusive access to the Collector’s Preview on Friday, July 30. This is the first chance to view and purchase works created during the festival. The Collector’s Preview will also feature food, beverages and live music on the newly renovated PenArt campus. There are a limited number of Palette Passes available.
The artists’ events close Saturday with the free Open Door Celebration. Visitors can view fresh works in the gallery, tour the campus and new studios, enjoy an ice cream treat and take home a piece of Door County on canvas. All works for sale. A selection of the invited artists’ works remain on display for sale until August 14. All works will also be online after August 1.
Ticket and event information is available online or by phone. Event guidebooks are available for pick up at PenArt.
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