Ohio Plein Air Society work now on display

An artist in the process of work at the 2016 OPAS competition. Photo by Lori Kubiak

The first weekend of October saw the BAYarts campus buzzing with world class artists for the Ohio Plein Air Society's (OPAS) annual competition. This is the second year that BAYarts was selected to host this prestigious event.

Their mission statement shares that they are, "proud to be at the forefront of the resurgent plein air movement in the United States." Nearly every county in Ohio is represented by their 155-plus members. Ephemeral, direct observation from the Ohio scenery is the emphasis of their en plein air ("in fresh air") work. "Our admiration for the world around us gives us reason to explore through art the diversity and uniqueness of Ohio’s landscapes, cityscapes, lakes, rivers, and streams, and beyond." 
 
Chairperson and BAYarts faculty member Christopher Leeper was at the helm for the competion coordination. Leeper says that 2016 was the first time the OPAS based their competition in Cuyahoga County. "Previous locations have been Hocking Hills/Athens, New Philadelphia, Lakeside/Marblehead, and Licking County."

Artists from Northeast Ohio and neighboring states competed for cash prizes and merchandise awards with artwork all completed outdoors. The competition concluded on Sunday, Oct. 1, after a wet paint show and sale, "Quickpaint" contest and award ceremony.
 
Select works are available for viewing and purchase in the Diane Boldman Gallery at BAYarts. They will be on display from Oct. 2-23, with a formal opening reception on Friday, Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m. 

Jessica Stockdale

Jessica Stockdale is the Marketing Manager at BAYarts.

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Volume 9, Issue 19, Posted 10:12 AM, 10.03.2017