By John Kaiser III – Navarro County Gazette
The Navarro Council of the Arts will be hosting a reception for the Outdoor Painters Society artists on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Warehouse Living Arts Center, located at 119 W. Sixth Avenue.
The Second Annual Outdoor Painters Society’s Associate Members Show & Sale entitled “Plein Vision In Miniature” opened this past July and has extended its run from Sept. 26 to Oct. 24. The exhibit features a variety of depictions of nature, buildings, boats and other subjects across Texas and the USA created in oil, watercolors, and acrylics “all produced outdoors, on the spot.”
“This is just the visual boost our town needs right now. Visiting our gallery will be like taking a road trip across the states. This week is the last opportunity to see this show in person,” said Leah Dill Blackard, Executive Director of the Navarro Council of the Arts.
“Fifty-seven Outdoor Painters Society artists provided about one hundred pieces of recently completed paintings for your viewing pleasure,” Blackard said. Have a quiet respite downtown and view this pleasing assortment of Plein air work during this last week of the show. And if you happen to fall in love with one of the pieces and want to take it home with you? The Navarro Council of the Arts can help you with that too.”
Every piece that is on display is available for purchase through the Navarro Council of the Arts. If you see a work of art you would like to own when you come in, simply call 903-872-5411. You can also peruse the art online at navarrocouncilofthearts.com/purchase-art.html.
“Don’t forget to wear a mask to keep you and yours safe while supporting your local arts council,” Blackard said.
These are but a few of the pieces on display at the Warehouse Living Arts Center.
NAVARRO COUNCIL OF THE ARTS
Contact: Leah Dill Blackard, ncart@sbcglobal.net
The Navarro Council of the Arts, organized in 1978, is an artistic, cultural and educational non-profit organization serving the people of Corsicana and Navarro County. The organization works to bring the highest quality cultural events, with a complete ethnically diverse scope for people of all ages.
The encouragement and support of local programs, accessible to all, are planned to promote tourism and enhance the image of the community as a center for the arts. The Navarro Council of the Arts focuses on arts education in all Navarro County schools. We work diligently to ensure the promotion and introduction of the arts for all students.
OUTDOOR PAINTERS SOCIETY
Contact: Tina Bohlman, tina@tinabohlman.com, cell: 972-741-6154
The Outdoor Painters Society was formed in 1996 with nine charter members. The goal was to create opportunities and incentive for artists of like mind to come together and paint en plein air (outside in the open air). Now a nationally known plein air artist’s organization with an annual average membership of around 350 members continues to grow. About 75 percent of OPS members reside in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. The membership is “without borders,” and includes artists all across the country from the eastern seaboard to the west coast. There are 8-9 scheduled paint-outs each year with the outings ranging from one to five days.
Locations vary all around Texas including Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon, and small towns such as Glen Rose and Mineola. At least one event each year can be in another state with favorite locations being New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon. The premier juried “members only” annual event known as Plein Air Southwest attracts national attention, elite artists, savvy collectors, decorators and locals who just enjoy art. For more information visit our website: www.outdoorpainterssociety.com and our Facebook page.