How a plein air festival is encouraging the arts for students, collectors, and the general public with everything from painting stations to a welcoming “Plein Air Church” service.
The Forgotten Coast of Florida is a 100-mile stretch of coastline on the Florida Panhandle that includes quaint fishing villages, sleepy beach towns, gorgeous beaches, and scenic pine and wire grass savannas offering endless subject matter for landscape painters.
Seventeen internationally acclaimed artists have been invited to participate in the 18th annual Forgotten Coast en Plein Air “America’s Great Paint Out,” to be held March 17-26, 2023. Their artwork, interpreting and capturing some of the last vestiges of authentic Old Florida, will be exhibited and sold throughout the 10-day event at the Wet Room in the historic Fort Coombs Armory in Apalachicola, Florida.
Artistic excellence and the production of investment-quality art, as well as relevance to the Forgotten Coast communities and the greater plein air movement, continue to be the trademarks of this festival.
“The Forgotten Coast is a uniquely special place to all of us, with its natural beauty, classic old South architecture, and wonderful local people, all lending inspiration for outstanding plein air art,” said Susan Bassett, President of the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition board. “We are committed to sharing the plein air art experience with students, locals, and visitors. Proceeds from our event go back into our communities, extending the reach of [the] event year-round.”
A notable feature of the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air festival is its offering of painting stations taught by four accomplished Florida artists known as Florida’s Finest Ambassadors. For a modest $40 fee participants can spend two hours with a professional artist for a one-on-one painting experience. Painting stations introduce beginner and novice painters and foster an appreciation for plein air painting. All materials are provided and participants go home with their very own painting.
One of the events of which the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air is most proud is its Student Art Day. An annual tradition, each invited artist is paired with a student from area high schools to mentor and guide in creating a plein air work of art. The opportunity to watch creativity blossom makes this a highlight, and the public is invited to observe. All student artwork is then exhibited at the Wet Room.
Plein Air Church has also become a memorable and moving part of the event. An outdoor worship service featuring gospel music and performance by Forgotten Coast community members is open to the public and anyone may bring an easel to record the celebration.
More About Forgotten Coast Plein Air …
The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air is hosted by the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition (FCCC), a 501(c)3 organization that organizes cultural activities, enhancing the vitality of local communities along Florida’s Forgotten Coast from Alligator Point to Mexico Beach. The event was conceived as a way to document the regional history and culture, and to highlight the preservation and awareness of Florida’s natural resources.
Relevancy to the communities served is also important to the FCCC. Over the last 10 years, artist residencies have tackled wide-ranging issues of community concern providing opportunities for dialogue. Subsequently, during the March event, the resident artist makes a brief presentation reflecting on their experience at a reception in their honor. Their work is exhibited and available for sale throughout the event.
Reflecting concern for the community, a percentage of each Forgotten Coast en Plein Air painting sale is used by the FCCC to benefit the arts in Forgotten Coast communities. Event proceeds have benefitted educational, cultural, and healthcare facilities, including youth programs and initiatives addressing volunteerism and, importantly, the inception of The Joe Center for the Arts.
The Forgotten Coast en Plein Air event also includes many of the activities and events seen at other plein air festivals, and most of them are free and open to the public. These include daily painting demonstrations by the invited artists, numerous art exhibits open throughout the event, and receptions and presentations held throughout the ten days. There is also a QuickDraw competition with substantial awards given in both Professional and Open classes.
More information may be obtained by calling 800-378-8419 or by visiting the website www.forgottencoastenpleinair.com.
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