MEEKER I Artists taking part in Plein Air Meeker 2014 will be visible in many parts of Rio Blanco County starting Wednesday as the painters focus on outdoor art available through the scenery offered around the county.
The translation for “en plein art” is “in the open air,” and the artists will be working until July 2 in the natural light to complete a painting on location. That has inspired many artists, and will make up the third annual Plein Air Art Competition held in Meeker. There are cash prizes, and the best of show art will win $1,000.
All art must be created within 50 miles of Meeker, and the paintings must be turned in by 5 p.m. July 2.
July 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be the champagne toast at the “Wanderlust Gallery” at 640 W. Main St., a public meet and greet with the artists, and the beginning of the silent auction.
July 4, the quick draw competition runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the courthouse lawn downtown. The quick draw silent auction begins at 1:30 p.m. and, at 3:30 p.m., the awards ceremony will be held at the Wanderlust Gallery, followed by the awarding to the silent auction bid winners.
To register, artists are asked to stop by the Meeker Chamber of Commerce to fill out entry forms, then take that form with you when you get your canvas stamped.
Visitors are requested if staying in Meeker during the competition to make reservations now.
The activity is part of the Meeker Range Call, which attracts visitors from all over the country and hotel rooms fill quickly.
