Seneca Lake Plein Air Painting Festival 2015

The Seneca Lake Plein Air Painting Festival, founded by Billsboro Winery eight years ago, has become one of the premier arts events in the Finger Lakes. The Festival will be held from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4, 2015. The Festival features professional artists from around the Northeast, with artists coming from New Jersey to Maine and Canada. En plein air is a French term meaning “in the open air.” Plein air painting is a growing movement in the United States among artists who enjoy being outdoors capturing a moment of natural light and beauty on canvas. This is a juried art competition. The sale of the art work and as well as the proceeds at the Silent Auction and Public Exhibitions will benefit The Smith Center for the Arts, which provides this region with both local and professional programs in a wide variety of the arts including music, theater and dance, movies, art advocacy projects, and educational outreach programs. TIMELINE OF EVENTSThursday and Friday, October 1 and 2:Artists will be painting “en plein air” throughout the day at locations of their choice within the festival limits. The public is welcome to stop by and view paintings in progress. Friday, October 1:5 to 8 pm Geneva Night Out: Artists will exhibit their work (available for purchase) in various businesses and venues in downtown Geneva Saturday, October 3: 10 am – 12 pm: “Paint-Off” in downtown Geneva, NY, the 2015 All America City: Six square block area encompassing Seneca Street, to Exchange Street, to Castle Street, to Main Street and all areas in between. Approximately 15-20 participating artists will all gather in this area to complete a painting in only two hours. Subjects can be anything from the unique architecture to townspeople, or close-up views of a single object. The public is encouraged to stroll the Paint-Off area, watch, and purchase the art. Families are encouraged to bring their young aspiring artists to see this exciting process take place. This year’s Paint Off will feature a “Painting Party” led by local Plein Air Painter, Tina Yannotti. The public can take part for a $20 fee that includes all materials and paints. Each participant will complete their own plein air painting under Tina’s supervision. This event will take place in front of the Smith Opera House located at 82 Seneca Street, Geneva. To register for the Painting Party visit http://www.theartfarmgallery.com/events/seneca-lake-plein-air-festival-painting-party 10-3-2015 During the Paint Off, live music will performed in front of Finger Lakes Gifts and Lounge and on Castle Street to be determined. Winning paintings will be judged directly after the Paint Off ends by 12:15 and winners will be announced by 1 pm at The Smith Opera House.5 pm – 7:30 pm: Juried Competition and Gala Reception with Silent Auction at The Katherine D. Elliott Studio Arts Center, Kings Lane, Hobart and William Smith Campus. All guests will enjoy live music and light appetizers. Wine is available at a cash bar. Tickets are $25 general admission and $10 studentsA Silent Auction will allow Gala attendees to bid on their favorite painting and take home an original work of art painted in the Finger Lakes. This year’s judges are artists Brian Keeler and Gwen McCausland. Prizes are as follows:  1st Prize: The Lynne Bunnell Award $1000  2nd Prize: The Park House Geneva Award $750  3rd Prize, The Seneca Sun Award $500  People’s Choice Award: $500 Stomping Grounds Best New Artists Award, $500.  Billsboro Winery First Place Paint Off Award, $500 Sunday, October 4: 12 – 3 pm: Public Exhibition and Art Sale at The Katherine D. Elliott Studio Arts Center, Kings Lane, Hobart and William Smith Campus. All artwork will be for sale at the artists’ prices. This exhibit is free and open to the public. October to December 2015: Plein Air paintings will be on exhibit for sale at the Billsboro Winery Tasting Room Gallery on Rt. 14 South. The Smith Center for the Arts is thankful for the following Plein Air Sponsors, Phelps Sungas Inc, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Stomping Grounds, Billsboro Winery, Interstate Heating and Cooling, The Catharine Foster Hopkins Art Reading Club, The Park House, and Jan Regan Photography. The Smith Opera House is located at 82 Seneca Street, Geneva NY. Box Office Hours are Mon-Fri, 10 am to 2 pm. Phone: 315-781-5483. Email: [email protected]. For event listing and more information about The Smith and The Smith Center For The Arts, visit our website at thesmith.org.