Desert Ridge Marketplace is partnering with Arizona Business Communities for the Arts (azbca), for the second year in a row to host the Plein Air Painting Festival from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 throughout The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix.
The festival will provide a unique opportunity for local artists to produce original painted artwork live and in the open air. This format allows the artists to leave the four walls of a studio behind and experience painting in front of the subject.
Contemporary plein air artists capture moments in time that reflect the ever- changing colors, light and shadows, temperature and shifting elements. This art form requires stamina, focus and the ability to be completely absorbed in their work regardless of their surroundings.
“The Plein Air Painting events are quickly growing in popularity around the country, and we are honored to host the second annual Plein Air Painting Festival in conjunction with azbca and Arizona Plein Air Painters Association at Desert Ridge Marketplace,” says Rebecca Smith marketing director at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
“Plein Air Painting is an art form that allows the artist to capture the essence of the vibrant retail and community space while inviting shoppers to experience the sights, sounds and even textures of the plein air process,” says Kate Marquez, executive director of azbca.
Over twenty artists from across Arizona will create paintings inspired by Desert Ridge Marketplace, competing for over $1600 in prizes and a chance to become part of the official Desert Ridge Marketplace Plein Air Painting Gallery. New this year, youth from The Valley will be selected through an application process to participate in an Instructor Led Youth Plein Air Competition.
Guests can enjoy free drawing and painting workshops at The District Stage, kids craft zones and interactive activities and games featuring Desert Ridge Marketplace retailers and restaurants. The event will culminate with an awards ceremony honoring the stellar artists. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice Voting from 3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. 2018 Plein Air Painting Festival pieces will be auctioned off following the awards ceremony. You could walk away with your favorite masterpiece!
Schedule of Events:
• 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Painting “en Plein Air”
• 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Kids Activities, Workshops, Youth Plein Air Painting
• No later than 3:30 p.m., final art submission by artists to stage
• 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Judging and People’s Choice Voting
• 5:00 PM Announce Winners
“This event is something fun for the whole family, adults and children alike love to participate in the free art seminars to craft their own masterpiece,” says Smith.
