Exciting Plein Air Painting Event Coming to Savannah!
Hey there, Savannah residents and visitors! Get ready to grab your easels and paintbrushes, because the 6th Annual Georgia Plein Air is rolling into town, and it’s going to be an artistic spectacle you won’t want to miss. This fabulous event, presented by Olmsted Arts, will take place from October 16 to October 20, and it promises to be filled with breathtaking artistry and vibrant community vibes.
What is Plein Air Painting?
You might be wondering, what’s all the buzz about plein air painting? Well, it’s all about getting outside and capturing the beauty of landscapes and cityscapes right there on location. Think of it as painting ‘in the moment’ — artists work quickly to depict how light dances on their subjects, creating stunning impressions of their surroundings. The result? A burst of color and energy that studio paintings often can’t capture, simply because of the time constraints artists face—usually just two to three hours!
But don’t be fooled; this genre of painting isn’t all sunshine and daisies. It requires a lot of gear—think easel, canvas, paints, and more—all lugged around from one picturesque spot to another. Despite the challenges, or maybe because of them, plein air competitions attract hundreds of talented artists from all over the globe!
Welcome to Georgia Color!
This year, Savannah will host the Georgia Color, a juried event dedicated solely to Georgia artists. Director Phil Culbertson explains that all paintings created during the three-day event will be displayed at the Exhibition Gallery located at 2125 Victory Drive. Each day, new pieces will be unveiled, and they’ll be fresh right off the easel!
The festivities kick off on Thursday, October 17, when the public is invited to welcome the participating artists. It’s an excellent opportunity to mingle, preview new artwork, and enjoy some tasty light bites and beverages!
PaintQuick! in the Park
On Friday evening, things will heat up with a fun-filled PaintQuick! event at Tiedeman Park. Here, more than 50 artists will have two hours to create and display their masterpieces. They’ll frame and tag their work for judging, and even some talented students from Savannah Arts Academy are getting in on the action!
Weekend Awards and Celebrations
Don’t worry if you’re not an artist; there’s plenty for everyone! The weekend will also showcase free painting demonstrations, engaging talks, and lively receptions. Mark your calendars for the Saturday evening Awards and Collectors Celebration where the participating artists will unveil their prized creations. They’ve been keeping their best works a secret for the event, so you won’t want to miss it!
Meet the Artists
The lineup includes talented local painters such as Adrienne Berkland, Kip Bradley, Alan Campbell, Mimi Diamond, and Lori Keith Robinson. Both Bradley and Robinson have deep roots in Savannah’s art scene and will be sharing their insights during talks and demos throughout the event. They are excited about showcasing their skills and cultivating a love for plein air painting among attendees.
Bradley, who is no stranger to plein air events, has a background in teaching art and believes Savannah is the ideal city for such an event. “We’ve missed having these kinds of competitions in Savannah,” he explains. “This city is filled with inspiration.” After years of practice, he has honed his approach to painting outdoors, working tirelessly to ensure his art reflects the spirit of the moment.
Meanwhile, Robinson is returning to the scene after a hiatus. She has mastered the art of color and light through years of experience and extensive training. Marking her return with Georgia Color is a source of excitement for her, and she can’t wait to share her work with the vibrant Savannah community again.
Join the Fun!
The Georgia Plein Air event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and you can enjoy the amazing original artworks created by local talents on display at the Exhibition Gallery. Don’t forget to snag your tickets for the welcome reception, awards celebration, and Sunday’s Art Walk Brunch. The Gallery will display artwork available for purchase starting October 11, and you won’t want to miss out on these incredible pieces!
So, Savannah, gear up for a beautiful artistic experience that celebrates our local talent, vibrant landscapes, and the joy of painting outdoors. It’s going to be a splendid celebration of art and community!
