On Saturday, April 23, the streets of Marietta will be full of artists in action. They'll be taking part in a quick draw competition as part of River Towns Plein Air 2022, an art event that focuses on pieces created outdoors, or "en plein air."
"The quick draw is something we added this year," said Marietta Art Alive! member Marita Hines. Marietta Art Alive! is the organizer of the plein air event that debuted last year. "(The quick draw is) open to anyone who is participating in the plein air competition as well as to anyone age 18 or older." Participants may sign up for the quick draw online at http://www.mariettaartalive.com/qd, or they can register in person from 8 to 10 a.m. on April 23. "The streets will be closed, and they'll set up their easels in the street," Hines noted. "Beginning at 10 a.m., they'll have two hours to finish their painting."
The quick draw is just one part of River Towns Plein Air 2022, which will feature 60 artists painting in outdoor areas throughout the river towns from April 18 through Wednesday, April 27. "Last year, we had specific sites for the artists to set up and the public to come out and watch them work, but we found that the artists prefer to find their own spots or paint something that caught their eye," Hines stated. "The quick draw will give the public a chance to see the artists at work."
On Sunday, April 24, the event will feature a family activity spotlighting the Japanese art of gyotaku, or fish painting. "We're partnering with the Susquehanna Waldorf School," Hines said. "Traditionally, this art form is done with live fish, but we'll be using rubber fish. Kids will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last, and they'll print their fish right on the shirt." The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the school's gym, located at Apple and Waterford avenues.
The plein air event will wrap up with a three-day exhibit of the completed work, held in the rear building of Marietta Community House, 264 W. Market St. It will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 30; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. Members of the public are invited to view the art and vote for their favorite for the People's Choice award. This year's exhibit will feature both juried and non-juried artists, and the competition's juror, Lou Schellenberg, will have an exhibit of his own work at MH Gallery, 42 W. Market St., Marietta, from April 30 through May 1.
The plein air artwork will be for sale, and proceeds will benefit both the Marietta Community House and Rivertownes PA USA. "Come out and watch the quick draw, and come see the show," Hines said. "This event was very well-received last year, and we're really excited to do it again."
For more information on River Towns Plein Air 2022, visit http://www.mariettaartalive.com/pleinairevent.
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