Fairhope set to host 6th Annual Plein Air celebration

GCM Staff Report
Posted 10/22/24

Art enthusiasts and the community are invited to celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Fairhope during the 6th Annual Plein Air Fairhope event, running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2.

This exciting …

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Fairhope set to host 6th Annual Plein Air celebration

Posted

Art enthusiasts and the community are invited to celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Fairhope during the 6th Annual Plein Air Fairhope event, running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2.

This exciting outdoor festival will see 60 talented painters capturing the beauty of the city from sunrise to sunset, showcasing their work at various locations, including downtown streets, Mosher's Castle, Fairhoper's Community Park and the Bayfront Pier.

During the weeklong celebration, artists will be painting live, allowing the community to witness the creative process. While registration for participating artists is full, local painters are encouraged to set up their easels and join in the fun.

The event will feature several exciting opportunities for art lovers to engage with the work of these talented creators. From Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, the Plein Air Fairhope Wet Room at the Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC) will display artworks in progress, allowing visitors a special sneak peek. Patrons can even purchase pieces before the official exhibit, which opens on Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. This inaugural event coincides with the First Friday Art Walk and is free to the public, with PAF artists and sponsors enjoying VIP early access at 5:30 p.m.

On Oct. 31, participants can join a gallery talk led by Plein Air Fairhope judge Kathleen Denis from noon to 1 p.m. Denis will share insights about her plein air experiences and judging criteria. Tickets for this event are priced at $15.

The festival will also include a Quick Draw event on Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m., where both PAF artists and the public can paint at or around the Eastern Shore Art Center. All ages are welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring their painting supplies. Donations will be accepted.

For those looking to dive deeper into their art practice, a two-day workshop titled "Exploring Gouache, the Versatile Medium" will be held on Nov. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Led by Kathleen Denis, the workshop costs $350 per person, with discounts available for ESAC members and PAF artists.

Additionally, an earlier workshop, "Plein Air Painting," will take place on Oct. 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., instructed by Debra Nadelhoffer. This workshop costs $300 per person, with a $25 discount for ESAC members.

Proceeds from Plein Air Fairhope will benefit the Eastern Shore Art Center's community outreach efforts. Event's sponsors include Westminster Village, Prestwood Law Firm, The Blind Tiger, Jubilee Suites and The Fairhope Inn, who have contributed awards for participating artists.

For more information about Plein Air Fairhope, contact the Eastern Shore Art Center at (251) 928-2228 or via email at info@esartcenter.org. The ESAC is located at 401 Oak Street, Fairhope.