Exhibition Dates: September 3 - 26
Deadline
Applications are being accepted from April 29
through
June 30, 2010.
Paint-Out Dates: August 26 - 30
Columbia Center for the Arts, located in the Columbia River Gorge —a National Scenic Area —is now accepting artist applications for its annual Pacific Northwest Plein Air event.
Now in its 6th year, Pacific Northwest Plein Air 2010, has grown each year both in size and in number of paintings sold.
It's Unique! This Plein Air event is unique not just because it takes place in a magnificent area, but also because it includes opportunities for both artists and writers.
A Juried Art Event
Award-winning plein air painter and instructor, Ned Mueller from Renton, WA, will be the juror again this year, and will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. There will also be an opportunity for the public to cast a vote for their favorite painting in the People's Choice Award.
An "Open Invitation" Writers Event
As part of Pacific Northest Plein Air 2010, a writing event is also planned. This is an "open" event for writers; no jury process is involved. Information on what the event entails and how to apply can be posted soon.
Plein Air 2010
Event Overview
As in years past, artists will paint out for five days in five magnificent locations in the Columbia River Gorge. Paint Out dates are August 26 - 30, 2010.
A collectors Preview Party is planned for Thursday, September 2, and will be followed the next evening, September 3 by the opening party and artist reception.
A number of other events are also being planned, including classes and a Plein Air writing event.
Apply Now
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a premier event in one of the most scenic parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Click for a PDF that provides details on who's eligible, how to apply, important dates, the selection process, etc.
NOTE: Applications this year are again being handled through CaFÉ™ (Call for Entry).
In the Columbia River Gorge
A Paradise for Painters and Writers
The
Pacific Northwest, and in particular, the area in and around the Columbia
River Gorge, is Plein Air Painter Paradise. It's no surprise that each
year at this time, artists and writers gather here to take in the stunning
beauty of its black basalt cliffs, ribbon-like waterfalls, and lush fir
forests.
The town of Hood River itself is nestled along the Columbia River, and sits between the two snow capped volcanoes Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams ... making it not only an ideal, but also inspirational, host town for guest artists.
A National Scenic Area, on Par with the Bavarian Alps!
Notably, in November 1986, Congress recognized the unique beauty of the Columbia River Gorge when it made it the nation's first National Scenic Area.
In addtion, In 2009, in its sixth annual survey of "Destination Stewardship," National Geographic rated Hood River as one of the top ten scenic areas in the world, on a par with the Bavarian Alps!
Comments from Some of Last Year's Artists
I enjoyed meeting and painting with other artists while visiting areas that offered unlimited possibilities for new paintings.
The Columbia Art Center has done an amazing job creating an event that gives the Columbia River Gorge national visibility as a destination for plein air painting. This event gets better every year!
This event is always incredible, From the beauty of the area to talent that shows up to capture it. Not to mention the outstanding job everyone involved puts forth. I look forward to this paint out as the highlight of the my year. "Thank you Columbia Art Gallery"
The artists who turn out for the annual PNWPA event interpret the grandeur of the entire Columbia River Gorge in only paint and canvas! It’s breathtaking to see the new paintings fresh off the easels. Each year this event/exhibit reminds artists and art appreciators of the pride we all feel for our beautiful surroundings.
The PNWPA competition is the premier juried plein air event in the state, with nationally recognized judges and top notch gallery presentation. It is the only event of it's kind I attend in Oregon, and ranks with others I compete in out-of-state...
My experience with the 2009 NW Plein Air show was a joy from start to finish—from the kickoff party at which I met such talented artists, to the preview show at which I sold work done during the paint-out week. Great show; fabulous location!
Visit Our Blog
See more pictures of last year's event and learn about the participating artists: Pacific Northwest Plein Air blog.