ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

2009 Plein Air Artist "Paint Outs" at Arizona State Parks

(Phoenix, Arizona - January 26, 2009) - Arizona State Parks and Arizona Plein Air Painters will host "Plein Air" Artist events throughout 2009 at State Parks around the state (see specific dates and times below).

Plein Air "paint outs" are an open invitation to all artists, amateur and professional, to paint and capture scenes inside Arizona State Parks. These live outdoor painting competitions take place in four-hour blocks. After the painting period, the artists meet to display the finished piece/pieces and submit them for judging by fellow artists. Artists should bring their easels, brushes, drop cloth or canvas, etc. They may also bring a mat or frame for protection and enhancement of their painting.

The top three paintings from each competition are entered in an annual gallery show. You can view an online gallery at azstateparks.com. Following the 2009 series, the top three winners of each competition will be shown at a public exhibit in February 2010.

The "paint outs" began as part of the State Parks 50th anniversary celebrations, 2006-2007. Arizona State Parks and the Tucson Plein Air Painters Society partnered to host a series of 10 Plein Air "paint outs" at many Arizona State Parks. An opening reception followed by a gallery show of the top 30 paintings from the 10 "paint outs" was held at Boyce Thompson Arboretum from January 5th to the 27th, 2008. This program aims to be a successful collaboration between creative art societies and Arizona State Parks.

Plein Air is a French term that means in the open air. At Plein Air events landscape artists gather at a designated time to have their blank canvas stamped and then head out with packed easels, paints and brushes and trek into nature looking for inspiration in the wide open spaces with good light and fresh air to paint everyday scenery.

2009 Dates and Locations:

  • February 21, 2009 at Lost Dutchman State Park, Noon - 4 pm
  • March 21, 2009 at Picacho Peak State Park, 8 am - Noon
  • April 18, 2009 at Lake Havasu State Park, 8 am - Noon
  • May 23, 2009 at Homolovi State Park, Noon - 4 pm
  • June 6, 2009 at Jerome State Historic Park, 8 am - Noon
  • July 18, 2009 at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, 8 am - Noon
  • August 8, 2009 at Roper Lake State Park, 8 am - Noon
  • September 19, 2009 at Slide Rock State Park (Apple Festival), 8 am - Noon; Additional Children's Paint Out Activity
  • October 3, 2009 at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 8 am - Noon
  • November 29, 2009 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Fall Festival), 8 am - Noon; Additional Children's Paint Out Activity

For more information about the "paint outs" call (602) 542-4174, visit azstateparks.com or arizonapleinairpainters.com. The park entrance fee is waived for participating artists.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at azstateparks.com.

-end-

Learn more about Plein Air Paint Out Program, including the program's history and photos. (Learn More)

link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_01-26-09.html

Press Room Home (Press Room)

Arizona State Parks   [Skip]   Home   Find a Park   Arizona Map   Fee Schedule

Western Region

Northern Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region