In conjunction with Art & Soul, Main Street Greenwood is holding a new event, Plein Air Greenwood.
“En plein air,” or plein air painting, is a phrase borrowed from the French equivalent meaning “open (in full) air.” It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors, where a painter reproduces the actual visual conditions seen at the time of the painting.
This event is a three-day juried art competition, where artists will be painting in downtown Greenwood and surrounding areas.
“Plein Air Greenwood is a chance for artists to take a break from the studio and come experience the downtown atmosphere that we all live on a day-to-day basis,” said Brantley Snipes, executive director of Main Street Greenwood. “For Plein Air Greenwood, we really want to showcase all the great architectural features of downtown, while partnering with our community-based arts organization in town.”
The event is open to all painters or artists who would like use their medium of choice to create artwork of buildings, structures and homes in Greenwood’s downtown area and historic district.
“Wherever they get inspired,” said Snipes.
The artists participating will have their art on display and for sale on Thursday evening at The Alluvian and TurnRow Book Co. and on Saturday at Tallahatchie Flats during Art & Soul. A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will go to Main Street Greenwood.
One of the plein air artists will also be speaking at TurnRow on Thursday about the art of plein air painting during the launch of TurnRow’s book club. The featured book this month is “Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies.”
“We hope to create a destination and retreat experience for artists to come be immersed in the culture of the Mississippi Delta,” said Snipes.
Those who would like to commission a painting of their business, home or of a site in downtown Greenwood, can contact Main Street Greenwood.
The winner of the juried art competition will be announced at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Tallahatchie Flats during Art & Soul.
“We are particularly excited to partner with Main Street for Plein Air Greenwood this year,” said ArtPlace Executive Director Hart Henson. “We hope Art & Soul continues to grow each year to become one of the premier arts festivals in the state.”
Registration for painting Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday in the lobby of The Alluvian. The registration fee is $20 per day for those who wish to enter the judged contest. To paint all three days, there is a $50 fee.
For more information or to participate, email Snipes at mainstreetgreenwood@gmail.com.
PAINTING SCHEDULE
• Thursday: Painting will commence at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Completed painting(s) will be available for purchase/viewing in downtown Greenwood as part of The Alluvian Happy Hour, 5-8 p.m. Artists are invited to bring other works of art to showcase/sell during this time.
• Friday: Artists are welcome to paint throughout the day on Friday. Artists are invited to attend Art & Soul’s Garden Party Friday night. Tickets are available at ArtPlace Mississippi.
• Saturday: Artists are welcome to paint throughout the day on Saturday as well. Those who are submitting a juried piece of art or planning on displaying/selling art as part of Art & Soul must have art to Tallahatchie Flats by 1 p.m. Artists are encouraged to paint in and around the events of Art & Soul at Tallahatchie Flats.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
