Artists will converge on the Chadds Ford Historical Society’s (CFHS) Barn Visitors’ Center on Saturday, Feb. 6, for the Eighth Annual Winter Plein Air Event – an eagerly awaited exhibition that continues to grow in popularity.
During the day, 22 artists will fan out across the area to paint plein air, French for “in the open air. ” They will set up their palettes at sites such as the Barns Brinton House, the John Chad House and the banks of the Brandywine Creek, traversing hallowed artistic ground once frequented by luminaries such as N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frank Schoonover, and others.
By evening, the artists will be ready to display their paintings. Attendees will need to be mindful not to get too close since some of the paint will still be wet, having been created earlier that day.
The fund-raising event will have two components for viewing and purchase. The first will begin at 5 p.m. with an hour-long preview party. A $50 ticket provides admission for up to two people, and $25 of the cost can be applied toward an art purchase.
“Wine & Cheese with the Artists,” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes a reception and sale. Admission is $10 per guest, an opportunity that will enable ticket-holders to chat with the creators.
Jacalyn Beam, one of the organizers as well as one of the artists, said the event represents a unique partnership between the historical society and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association, which helps promote the show. She said space limits the number of artists who can be selected, which has made the show more competitive.
This year, Beam said artists are being encouraged to bring a couple of paintings done at other times. In the past, buyers could only choose from winter – and sometimes snowy – scenes since the paintings were all completed on the same day. Another new addition will be some offerings from Brandywine View Antiques, which will also be for sale.
Beam said she is really excited about the talent that will be on display, but she doesn’t want people to take her word for it, pointing out that the historical society has a link to each artist’s website on its home page. “I think people are not going to want to miss these artists,” Beam said.
The Chadds Ford Historical Society is located on Route 1 and Creek Road. Office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 610-388-7376, email info@chaddsfordhistory.org or visit www.chaddsfordhistory.org. Tickets are also available at Brandywine View Antiques at 1244 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pa., 19317.
