By Heather Lusk
Painting outside is a challenge for some and a passion for others, but all are invited to participated during the Aug. 11 annual Zionsville Paint Out.
Artists check in at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center, 225 W. Hawthorne St., between 7 and 10 a.m. when their canvas, paper or preferred media will be stamped or identified. Artists have until 2 p.m. to submit their finished work to the museum for judging.
Sponsored by the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, the event has four divisions: professional, amateur adult, youth (ages 5-12) and teen (ages 13-17). Last year’s Paint Out had a record 59 entries.
Artists are encouraged to find a location around Zionsville for inspiration.
Plein air, meaning to work in open air, can be challenging for some people.
“One thing that probably makes people nervous is people watching them,” SMCC Executive Director Cynthia Young said. “People love to watch artists work.”
Young added that environmental considerations, such as shifting sunlight and the possibility of rain, also can be challenging, but plein air painters love creating outdoors despite conditions.
“I think they’re outdoorsmen at heart,” Young said. “(Plein air painters) will paint in any kind of weather.”
Immediately after the winners are announced at 3 p.m., the artwork will be available for purchase. Young hopes the art will be temporarily displayed at the museum if the schedule allows.
Cash prizes are given to the top winners in the professional categories. Art supplies are presented to the top three winners in the other categories.
Home or business owners who would like their address to be considered as a painting location should contact SullivanMunce at [email protected] by August 4. Entry is free for members and those under 18, while others pay $25.
