Photography exhibit captures artists during 2024 St. Charles Plein Air Event
When you are visiting the St. Charles Library during the months of July and August, be sure to visit the art gallery on the main floor to see the photography exhibit by local artists Jeanne Dyer and Jack Armstrong.
In August of 2024, the photographers followed 40 artists, hailing from all over the country, who were participating in the St. Charles Arts Council’s first Plein Air event and competition.
Not knowing in advance where the artists would be, they traveled around the city’s parks and recreational areas, scouting for activity. From downtown sidewalks; Lincoln Park to Mount St. Mary’s Park and Pottawatomie Park, they discovered artistic endeavors, including art demonstrations, writers groups, and creative activities for both adults and children. Over 2,000 images were taken over the course of the week, from Monday until the following Sunday!
On Monday evening, after registering and getting settled, participating artists were treated to a special party in their honor. Tuesday, the public was invited to attend a free art demonstration by Plein Air artist Steve Puttrich in Lincoln Park;
Wednesday, a Quick Paint event was held, which also included local artists, who joined in the competition for a $500 prize; a creative writing event was held by the St. Charles Writers Group in Mount St. Mary’s Park, together with an immersive art activity for all ages, organized by Mindful Creativity; followed by a meet and greet social gathering.
Thursday and Friday the artists roamed the area for just the right spot to setup their portable art studios to paint. Many of the photographs in this exhibit, show detailed images of the artists at work, throughout the week.
Saturday evening at the Baker Community Center, artists, patrons and members of the St. Charles Arts Council gathered to enjoy the exhibit of finished paintings, consume delightful appetizers provided by the Graceful Ordinary, one of the event sponsors, and applaud the event award winners as they received their prizes. Judge, Steve Puttrich awarded the prizes and gave a presentation explaining why he chose each one. Many of the artworks were sold to the attending audience following the ceremony, and the next day.
Sunday, the exhibit was open to the public, and the artists collected their work and returned home, with many of them looking forward to returning to participate this year.
This year, the St. Charles Plein Air Event week will run from Monday to Sunday, Aug. 18-25, featuring approximately 60 artists and writers, enjoying similar activities as last year’s successful weeklong art fest.
Check your social media outlets, and newspapers, and watch for additional information about activities and times for public participation, in the upcoming weeks. Additional information can be found on the St. Charles Arts Council website at www.stcharlesartscouncil.org.
Artist reception for the St. Charles Public Library exhibit will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., in the Bisbee Conference Center on the main floor. Light refreshments will be served.