A recent event in Wilmington, Delaware, not only engaged plein air painters, it also helped fund a nonprofit that the artists found inspiring.
Plein Air Brandywine Valley gathered painters to the historic and picturesque area for a photography and painting/drawing competition, with the proceeds going to Children’s Beach House, a nonprofit that focuses on special-needs children, and emphasizes appreciation and utilization of the Delaware coast. If you need help imagining the Brandywine Valley environs, think of Chadds Ford, and the influential depictions of it by Howard Pyle and the Wyeths.
Connie Newby (left), Randall Graham, and Catherine Carney enjoy themselves at the Plein Air Brandywine Valley reception.
Taking First Place in the competition was Jim Rehak. Second Place went to Mary Smith, while Alan B. Tuttle won Third Place. Randall Graham and Connie Newby won Honorable Mention awards. Heather Davis and Jacqueline Beam shared the honor of Artists’ Choice. The Friends of Marshall Square Award in painting/drawing went to Catherine Carney.
Randall Graham’s piece, “Rain or Shine in the Brandywine,” which won Honorable Mention
“The people of Children’s Beach House give their maximum effort to help children with special needs meet their full potential,” Randall Graham says. “It is incredibly rewarding to use my artistic talents to support such an important cause. They did an amazing job organizing this event.”
