Forgotten Coast en Plein Air

Forgotten Coast en Plein Air: May is a great time for art along the Forgotten Coast

Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America’s Great Paint-out, runs from May 4-13, 2018, in eight communities along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, including Carabelle, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Apalachicola, Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach. Now in its 13th year of documenting the landscape and culture of authentic “Old Florida,” Forgotten Coast en Plein Air is among the world’s most prestigious Plein air events. Events showcasing our local communities, artistic excellence, and the production of investment quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival.

“It’s amazing to me to watch the artists make the everyday scenes along our coastline into beautiful art, and to see it take form right in front of you,” says Susan Bassett, President of the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition, the organization who brings Plein Air to the Forgotten Coast. “Things we see on our way to and from work become almost magical when seen through their eyes. We live in a stunningly beautiful place, and I can’t wait for this year’s Plein Air to begin May 4!”

This year’s event will focus on the built environment. This human-made space in which people live, work and recreate, will showcase architecture, streetscapes, working waterfronts and historic sites. Three acclaimed artists have returned to the Forgotten Coast for week-long residencies and will be presenting their works: Morgan Samuel Price has been painting “Shrimpers,” James Richards focused on churches with “Built on Faith,” and John P. Lasater, IV, documented the disappearing art of the “Boat Builders.” Each will present their work at an evening reception that is free and open to the public.

Nationally known artist Lori Putnam, a long-time Forgotten Coast favorite, will be this year’s judge. She will select the winners for the professional and open artist categories at the QuickDraw in Salinas Park, lecture on what judges look for when evaluating art, host a round-table discussion about art in the built environment, and consult with art buyers. Lori’s work will be on display at the Mexico Beach Visitor’s center during the event.

The invitational features 20 internationally acclaimed artists, as well as, six “Florida’s Finest en Plein Air” artists. New artists coming to the Forgotten Coast this year are Tony Robinson (from Ireland), Brienne Brown, Kathleen Hudson and Ray Roberts. Expanded exhibits, a Collectors’ Forum, distinguished guest speakers, painting stations where you can sign up to experience painting yourself, are all in the making!

Highlights of the event include an Opening Luncheon on Friday as well as ten new art exhibits opening all along the Forgotten Coast that day, the QuickDraw paint-out at Salinas Park on Cape San Blas, Plein Church on the Apalachicola riverfront on Sunday, nocturne (night) painting on Monday in Apalachicola and Port St. Joe, Student Art day in Apalachicola on Wednesday, and big days at the Wetroom in Port St. Joe on Saturday and Sunday. There will be artists painting throughout the area, and daily demonstrations and location art receptions in Cape San Blas (Saturday), Eastpoint (Monday), Carabelle (Tuesday), St. George Island (Wednesday), and Mexico Beach (Thursday). All of these events are free and open to the public. For details, please visit the www.forgottencoastenpleinair.com website.

Immediately after Forgotten Coast en Plein Air closes, the Plein Air South artists’ convention begins, running from May 14-17, 2018. Plein Air South brings another 120 artists to the area, and will leave behind an exhibit at The Joe Center for the Arts in Port St. Joe. May is a great time for art along the Forgotten Coast.

info@pleinairfl.com