The inaugural edition of EnPleinAirTEXAS went off without a hitch — in fact, the opening night demonstrated how strong this new event already is. What went down in San Angelo?
The Welcome Party at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts on October 26 gathered the 29 participating artists, who came from 12 states and as far away as France. Several artists stayed until the end and set up on the museum’s rooftop balcony to paint the view of the downtown area across the river. Over the next four days, the artists painted, and the participants were housed by hosted by local families.
John P. Lasater, Ray Hassard, Richard Sneary, and Paul Kratter
Hiu Lai Chong paints the San Angelo depot
A Collectors Soiree saw more than 130 paintings sold and sales of more than $125,000, and then the awards night enriched the winning artists to the tune of $11,000. Another $2,450 in cash was awarded at the following day’s Quick Draw competition. PleinAir magazine editor Steve Doherty served as judge.
Nancy Bozeman in her outfitted vehicle
Ray Hassard took the Grand Prize for his piece “Cathedral.” Second Place went to Paul Kratter for “Round Bales,” while “Low Water Crossing” won Third Place for Tina Bohlman. Honorable Mention awards went to John P. Lasater, Jonathan Gaetke, and David Gsont.
Jimmy Longacre paints at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, the host of the event
Grand Prize winner Ray Hassard works on a piece
Jason Sacran won Judge’s Choice for his painting “The Resting Place.” Artists’ Choice was “Patsy’s Point,” by Melissa Arthur. In the Quick Draw, Maren Philips won First Place, Mary Margaret Pipkin took Second Place, and Tim Oliver took Third. Russell Cushman, Fran Ellison, and Jimmy Longacre won Honorable Mention.
Paul Kratter hands over one of his paintings to a happy collector, Candy Pfluger
Additional awards were given for West Texas Landscape (won by Joan Mertz), Visit San Angelo (Nyle Gordon), Texas Ranchland (Nancy Bozeman), Spirit of San Angelo (Hiu Lai Chong), West Texas Light (Nancy Tankersley), Historic Fort Concho (Susan Lynn), and Best Architecture (Richard Sneary).
