In The Open Air

In the Open Air honours the practice of creating art outdoors, in the moment.

En plein air is a French expression that translates to “in the open air”. The practice of creating art outdoors goes back for centuries but was popularized by the French Impressionists in the 1800’s. Artists painting in the open air attempt to capture the true effects of light and colour of the landscape at any given moment before the surroundings change with time, distinguishing the process from painting a landscape subject from inside a studio, from memory, imagination or a photograph.

The act of outdoor painting from direct observation continues to be popular, including here in Alberta. This exhibition showcases the work of a number of accomplished Alberta artists, all of whom enjoy creating art en plein air.

Please join us at 3 pm on Sunday September 12, 2021 as we recognize the artists accepted into this exhibition and award prizes for our ‘Paint The Foothills’ Plein Air Competition (taking place September 11th and accepting artist registrations until 4 pm on Thursday September 9th).

Extended hours on Saturday September 11, 2021: 9 am – 5 pm.

Regular operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission by donation.

Selected Artists:

• Norma Barsness

• Lori Bergh

• Dayna Bordage

• Sue Contini

• Neil Dawson

• Gwen Day

• Leah Cathleen Donald

• Yanina Eberhard

• Alice Helwig

• Chris Iskiw

• Julie Johnston

• Wendy Kershaw

• Louise Lacey- Rokosh

• Doug Levitt

• Melanie MacVoy

• Bev Mazurick

• Gerry Mulhall

• Lorri Pullman-MacDonald

• Ray Swirsky

• Theresa Williams

• Douglas Williamson

Featured image: Smoke and Poppies, Alice Helwig, 2021