The 10th Anniversary of the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) in Denver, Colorado kicked off with music, laughter, a celebrity guest, and even a little magic this year.
To say that the Plein Air Convention (PACE) opened with high energy is an understatement – if you’re familiar with PACE at all, you know that in addition to putting paint on canvas, we know how to have fun! This year, it was the 10th anniversary of the event, and so we began the celebration with “all the things.”
The Opening Ceremonies began with live music from the Plein Heirs and a gospel choir singing songs that move the heart and the feet, and before we knew it the party was ON. Eric Rhoads, our fearless leader, hosted the ceremonies, which included a round of musical chairs (prizes included goodies such as a VIP trip to next year’s PACE!), a comedian disguised as a plein air expert historian, and even a clown that pulled Eric on stage for some spontaneous magic.
We settled down a bit to celebrate two lifetime achievement awards for plein air legend C.W. Mundy, and actress and painter Jane Seymour (yes, you read that right!). Afterward, Michelle Dunaway painted Jane’s portrait on stage, finishing a piece she had started earlier that was based on a photo of Jane with Willie Nelson. Jane also took the time for an exclusive photo session with our VIP attendees.
In a much-anticipated segment, we also announced the winners of this year’s PleinAir Salon, with the top prizes going to Kimball Geisler (Grand Prize, $15,000 cash and the cover of PleinAir™ Magazine); Robin Caspari (Second Place, $3,000); and Luis Azon (Third Place, $1,500). The prizes for the next annual competition will total $50,000, so don’t miss out on your chance to enter at PleinAirSalon.com now.
Even before the Opening Ceremonies took place, we enjoyed early workshops and meet-n-greets. In one new favorite session, Carrie Curran led the Pre-Convention Basics Course with guests Barbara Tapp, John Taft, and Bruce A. Gomez.
“I have been painting for many years and I just started painting outdoors,” said Paul Friederichsen of Marietta, Georgia. “I thought it was very important for me to come to this conference because in the last two days, I have learned more than I have in the last forty years and that is amazing. I really enjoyed the different demonstrations and the teachers. The faculty members are amazing because they are first of all great teachers and explain very clearly, and also they are very friendly and generous.”
In one more surprise that’s worth talking about, Eric had a gorgeous Daniel Sprick painting of plein air painters put into poster form; on our way out from the evening cocktail party, we each received one to take home. I know I personally can’t wait to frame it and hang it up.
We wish you were here! You can be in some ways – join us online at PleinAirConvention.com, where you can follow some of the amazing demonstrations and events that are still happening this week.
 in Denver, Colorado kicked off with music, laughter, a celebrity guest, and even a little magic this year.){kind=link}
Can’t get my mind sorted out from the wealth of intense painting input , new and familiar faces , conversations and love .
Thank you PACE 23 .
<3 Thank YOU, Barbara, for being such a great part of it! Safe travels until next time!
I was only able to be with the gang through Zoom. Glad I was there for the 10th anniversary. Everything was interesting, fun and informative. How can you beat that? Was sorry not to be there for all the rest. There’s next time, right?
Hi Carol! We’re glad you could join us online and yes, there IS next time! See you in the Smoky Mountains for PACE ’24!