En Plein Air Festival - Tequesta
En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and it refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and heart of a landscape or subject by integrating natural light, color and movement into their works. French impressionist artists, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, as well as other artists of that period who painted outdoor landscapes, were best known as the greatest plein air artists.
The largest en plein air gathering of its kind in South Florida is hosted by the Lighthouse ArtCenter. The Festival awards over $15,000 in prizes and 35 of the top plein air painters in the country participate. The public can observe artists painting at locations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, then view and have the opportunity to purchase the wet paintings later at the ArtCenter Gallery. There will be artist’s demos and workshops, as well as a special ticketed VIP Collectors’ Reception.
For 50 years the nonprofit organization and member-supported provide artistic programing and cultural opportunities to individuals in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Formerly known as the Lighthouse Gallery, it was underwritten by the Village of Tequesta to offer Summer Art Classes for Children. The following year, the summer school enrollment enlarged, and extra instructors were brought to teach additional forms of art. The Lighthouse Gallery got another new name – Lighthouse Gallery and School of Art.
With continuing contributions and fundraisers including the annual Beaux Arts Ball, the Lighthouse Gallery and School of Art was able to uphold the original traditions of the organization while growing in a way that complimented its original intentions. There was significant growth of the organization and they acquired another building. The gallery was then renamed Lighthouse ArtCenter.
There will be artist’s demonstrations and workshops, as well as a special ticketed VIP Collectors’ Reception. Lighthouse ArtCenter hosts exhibits produced in collaboration with other arts organizations/foundations including: loaned art program, traveling exhibits, worldwide exchanges, loaned art programs and a performing arts series. The gallery is an integral part of culture within the Village of Tequesta.
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