AMANA, Iowa - Bold, painterly strokes and luminous colors will define the brilliance of the artists at the fourth annual FRESH PAINT, the Plein Air Art Festival at Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana, Iowa.
FRESH PAINT will run from August 29- 31, 2014 and combines the strengths of the talented artisans of the Midwest with Iowa's incredible scenery to produce the most collaborative and comprehensive event in the region. "We are creating a modern day regionalism," explained Jenise Catiri, owner of Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana, sponsor and host of the event.
Plein Air painting is a pertinent and vital part of Eastern Iowa's history with Grant Wood and Carl Flick as well as a form of regionalism in the arts the promotes the flourishing art culture that we have in Eastern Iowa. Fresh Paint has become the largest Plein Air event in Iowa, with over 40 artists participating coming from all over the state and as far as Chicago, Minneapolis and Omaha! It is an incredible weekend to watch painting transform before your eyes, while personally connecting with the artists. The weekend is highlighted by the fantastic dinner party and award ceremony, with a locally favorite band the Awful Purdies playing from 5 to 8pm, it is always an evening to remember. The "fresh" painting of all the artists will be available to purchase after this year's judge, Sean Ulmer, the curator of the Cedar Rapids Art Museum turns in his results. Not only can you purchase affordable, freshly inspired art, but it may be a winner!
Have an aspiring artist in your family? Children will love to participate in the 2nd Annual Kids Fresh Paint event on Saturday, August 30th from 11:00a.m.- 2:00p.m. Volunteers from the Amana Arts Guild will be on hand directing this amazing experience for your children. Easels and art supplies provided by the Community Chest, so each child can create their own Plein Air piece of artwork. After seeing the professional artists out painting, they get a chance to experience it for themselves.
A Call to Artists! There is still opportunity to join the other Plein Air artists in this year's Fresh Paint! All artists, working in any medium, at whatever skill level can be a part of this event. It is a great opportunity to meet other artists, share techniques and have a good time just being amongst fellow artists. The registration is only $30, which gives you 2 dinner tickets to the Fresh Paint party and the opportunity to submit up to 2 pieces of artwork into the competition, giving away $1,000 worth of prize money as well as many purchase awards.