For immediate release:
Contact: Deb Litman
dlitman@alleganyarts.org
301-268-7407
Allegany Arts Council to Host 12th Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition & Exhibition
CUMBERLAND, MD—The 12th Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition & Exhibition will take place June 12-17, 2023. This exciting event will bring 30 premiere plein air painters to Western Maryland from across the United States for a week of outdoor painting. Artists will scout out places to paint, rain or shine. After four days of painting, they will unveil their completed work. The format is fast and requires tremendous discipline and skill.
The Plein Air Competition is not just for artists, however. The events and activities surrounding the event are also perfect for those interested in observing and collecting the work of these talented painters. Be on the lookout for artists with their easels beginning Monday, June 12. Then join us for opportunities later in the week to watch artists work up-close and to purchase paintings.
A limited Preview Exhibition will take place June 13-17, featuring previous works of the artists of the Mountain Maryland Plein Air Class of 2023. Each artist will contribute two works to the exhibit, which will be available in our gallery at 9 N. Centre Street. The gallery will be open daily through the exhibition period.
A Plein Air Reveal and Collector’s Reception will take place Friday, June 16, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. The reveal event is one of the most exciting parts of Plein Air week, when our invited artists unveil and sell the work they have created. This elegant evening will feature food, drink, and musical entertainment, and is a fantastic way to celebrate the arts in our community. Tickets for the event are available on our website at https://www.alleganyartscouncil.org/upcoming-events/12th-mountain-maryland-plein-air-reveal-evening-awards/.
The week’s festivities will conclude Saturday, June 17, with a “Quick Draw” competition on the Downtown Cumberland mall from 10:00AM until 12:00PM (registration begins at 9AM). This timed, two-hour painting event is free and open to the juried Plein Air artists as well as anyone from the community with a desire to participate. Judging will begin at 12:15PM and completed Quick Draw paintings will be for sale.
Young artists between the ages of 6-17 are invited to take part in Saturday’s Quick Draw competition through the Young Artists Studio led by local artist Lita Havens. Lita will guide students through the creation of their own Plein Air painting. Materials will be provided and there is no fee to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 301-777-2787.
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