2018 Plein Air Artist Registration
Monuments to Mainstreet Plein Air Competition guidelines final 2018
News Release
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Wednesday, August 30th, 2018
Contact: Carrie Hamblen, CEO/President
Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce
carrie@locallascruces.com
575-323-1575
LCGCC AND DONA ANA ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCE 3RD ANNUAL MONUMENTS TO MAIN STREET PLEIN AIR COMPETITION
(LAS CRUCES) — As part of the 3RD Annual Monuments to Main Street celebration, the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce (LCGCC) and the Doña Ana Arts Council (DAAC) are hosting the annual Plein Air competition.
Monuments to Main Street Month is a celebration of the events, the protected public lands that surround Las Cruces, and the opportunities that both offer to the residents and visitors to our area.
As one of the many events during the month, The LCGCC and the DAAC are hosting the 3rd Annual Monuments to Main Street Plein Air competition, September 26th through the 29th, 2018.
“Like other Plein Air painting competitions, the Monuments to Main Street Plein Air competition will highlight local artists who paint in locations throughout Doña Ana County, including our three National Monuments, anywhere in town, and on Main Street,” says Green Chamber CEO/President Carrie Hamblen.
En plein air (French pronunciation: [ã plen air]), or plein air painting, is the act of painting outdoors, as opposed to painting inside a studio. According to DAAC Executive Director Kathleen Albers, plein air painting originates from a style of French impressionism, developed in the 19th century. She says, “The unique thing about plein air painting is that it takes artists outside in nature, actually surrounding them with their subject, and it challenges them to paint in the changing conditions of air and light. This Monuments to Main Street Plein Air competition is a great opportunity for us to witness the incredible talent of many local artists and to experience the beauty of our nearby public lands and wonderful city.”
Interested artists will be able to register for the 3rd Annual Monuments to Main Street Plein Air competition on September 26th at the offices of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce, 221 N. Main Street. Artists will have three days to paint anywhere in Doña Ana County and White Sands National Monument. Judging of the artwork will take place on Saturday, September 29th at noon at the offices of the Dona Ana Arts Council, 1740 Calle de Mercado, Mesilla.
Participants are encouraged to be thoughtful when painting in the Monuments and around town. Hamblen says, “Las Crucens are really good about respecting the protected public lands around us. When our artists are out painting, we encourage them to be respectful of the land, the businesses, and the residents around them.”
There is a small fee to participate in the Monuments to Main Street Plein Air Competition. More information about the competition, registration, and fees, go to Locallascruces.com or call LCGCC CEO/President Carrie Hamblen at carrie@locallascruces.com or 575-323-1575.
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