Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
So much beauty ~ from 30 miles North to 30 miles South of Gualala Arts Center. Come and stay, create and dream along our spectacularly beautiful Coast.
From ocean to bluffs, rocky sculptured formations, tidepools & sunsets, both trained and untrained artists meet their inspiration: Jenner with its stunning mouth of the Russian River; the view from the outrageous switchbacks just before Myers Grade; Hwy One with its spectacular “High Point” preceding Timber Cove; historic Fort Ross; the Timber Cove Resort’s riveting bluffed isolation with Benny Bufano’s famous statue; Stump Beach and the Bluff Trail (fascinating rock formations, tide pools, and the famous arch); Black Point Beach at The Sea Ranch along with numerous fantastic vistas; Bowling Ball Beach at Anchor Bay; the Light House at Point Arena…find your own special location muse.
Prizes
1st Place – $1000
2nd Place – $750
3rd Place – $500
More prizes will announced!
Thank you very much to this years Sponsors!
Bronze Sponsor
Sharon Nickodem
Theresa Slaman
Friend Sponsor
Jeanne Jackson
Janet Pierucci & James Adrian Adams
Mango Grits
Lise Sheedy
Gualala Arts Open – Plein Air Affair
Sponsorship Opportunities
Grand Event Sponsor -$5,000 or more +
Platinum – Over $3,000 +
Gold – Over $2,000 +
Silver – Over $1,000 +
Bronze – $500 +
All sponsors Friends and above will receive honorable mention on the Gualala Arts Open – Plein Air Affair web page, sponsor posters and Gualala Arts Open – Plein Air Affair program. All Sponsors Bronze and above will receive their name on Gualala Arts Open – Plein Air Affair web page with Link, posted on Facebook & Instagram.
If you are intereseted in sponsoring Gualala Arts Open – Plein Air Affiar please contact Kendra Stillman at kendraGualalaArts@Gmail.com
Information & Important Dates
Entry Forms Due: September 5, 2024
Paint Out: September 6 through 17
Artist Get Together and Stamping Thursday, Sept 7 at 1 pm
Art Take-In: September 18 from 11 am – 1 pm, 2024
Locations: From Elk to Jenner, All Coastal Regions
Wet Paintings welcome on drop off day~
Entry Fee: $100 Limit 8 Pieces
Art Opening: September 20, 2024 4-6 pm
Art Pick-Up: October 7, 2024 from 2-4pm
Schedule of Events:
Paint Out: Paint Out September 6 through 17
Plein Air Artists paint from Elk to Jenner, all coastal regions. Artists create as many paintings as they like over the two weeks, the best (up-to 8) to be entered into the Gualala Arts Open- Plein Air Affair Exhibit at Gualala Arts from September 20 to October 7, 2024. Winners will be announced before the opening.
Opening: September 20, 2024 from 4-6 pm
Artists’ work (up to 8) will be hung September 18 & 19, opening on September 20, 2024 at 4-6 pm.
Exhibit Awards are announced at Opening. Exhibit will be held in the Jacobs Foyer, Burnett Gallery & Coleman Hall. Lucky Patrons/Purchasers will be able to take paintings at the time of purchase, unless they elect to leave the painting for the duration of the exhibit.
Participants have opportunities to benefit from the Plein Air Affair: the chance to win awards, have an opening, and display their art for buyers and art lovers to appreciate and purchase. Exhibit will be held in the Jacobs Foyer, Burnett Gallery & Coleman Hall.
About the Judge Clark Mitchell
Clark G. Mitchell
Growing up in the shadow of the Colorado Rockies, Clark Mitchell very early
discovered a love of the natural world. Given a set of fine old Schmincke pastels
when quite young, he quickly embraced the medium.
He received a bachelorʼs degree in art from Colorado College in the seventies
and moved to San Francisco to continue his studies. Through personal
exploration as well as work with various teachers, notably Albert Handell, Mitchell
has developed the talent to create both tightly rendered scenes as well as looser,
more abstract suggestions.
Over thirty years ago, Mitchell left San Francisco with his partner and moved
north to the beautiful Sonoma County wine country. Yearly painting expeditions
continue to provide challenge as well as inspiration.
Mitchell has won Best of Show awards at the Laguna Beach and Maui Plein Air
Invitationals. His paintings have been on the cover of the Pastel Journal,
Southwest Art and American Artist magazines. Find more about Clark Mitchell Here
Find Paint Out location suggestions from Anne & Bruce here
Participation Requirements:
We will be available for any questions and will have a list of suggested locations for those unfamiliar with the area.
The public may want to observe the artist while creating. This is not a requirement, but it does connect the observer to the painting, and creates expectation, rapport, and excitement. No special location is required, and we suggest exploring the area before hand for optimum painting time. If you would like Gualala Arts to note your painting location on the GA website so that the public will know where to find you, email Kendra Stillman at KendraGualalaArts@Gmail.com
Framing:
• Upon submission on September 18, 2024, attach artist’s name, title, medium and phone number on the backside of the submitted painting. Consider supplying a certificate of authenticity and business card.
• Artwork should be framed and ready to hang on submission day. (Remember to bring frames!) Work must have screw eyes or d-rings and wire (no saw-toothed hangers).
Waiver of Liability:
I acknowledge the risks involved in painting Plein Air. These include but are not limited to falls, accidents, drowning, wildlife encounters, etc. I acknowledge that I am participating voluntarily, and that I assume all risks related to plein air painting, whether explicitly explained to me or not. Additionally, I confirm that I do not have any medical or mental conditions that will increase my likelihood of experiencing injuries while engaging in plein air painting.
Featured Image: Colors of the Sea by Vanessa Walsh