The Ohio Plein Air Society is one of the most active and dynamic plein air associations in the country, and their latest endeavor was an artist-in-residency program at a wildlife sanctuary.
The residencies were funded by the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and the Ohio Arts Council, and five members of OPAS participated: Debra Joyce Dawson, Christopher Leeper, Robin Roberts, Doreen St. John, and Bridgette Turner. The painters were juried in and given stipends for each week they participated. Dawson stayed at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary for three weeks, while others stayed for two or just one week. In all, more than 95 paintings were created during the residencies; all were on view for one day at the Appalachian Forest Museum, in Bainbridge, Ohio, and then many found their way onto the walls of the Bridgette Turner Gallery, in Columbus.
What a wonderful experience for this artist! Very beautiful results!
What a beautiful opportunity. Some very nice works here.
Is this event a re-occuring one? If so, is it open to out of state artists? I live in Montana, but have relatives in Ohio.
Great article, Bob Bahr…thanks so much! In response to the questions about the residency, I am not sure if funding has been secured for the residency for next year. You can watch their website for any updates…
http://arcofappalachia.org/visit/highlands-nature-sanctuary.html
These artists are indeed leaders in our wonderful Ohio organization. They “do us PROUD!”
Thank you Bob Bahr! Lovely article. All the way from France!