Show Preview | Telluride Plein Air

Bill Cramer, Clarice’s Ranch, oil, 18 x 24.

Bill Cramer, Clarice’s Ranch, oil, 18 x 24.

Telluride, CO
Sheridan Opera House, June 28-July 4

This story was featured in the June 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art June 2013 print issue, or get the Southwest Art June 2013 digital download now…Or better yet, just subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

Surrounded by mountains and steep cliffs, Telluride is a major ski destination in the winter months. In the summertime, the charming small town is well known for its array of arts festivals, including the popular Telluride Plein Air. Now in its 10th year, the juried event is a celebration of outdoor painting. This year 29 painters from across the country converge here to spend a week painting on location, capturing the light, colors, and character of this breathtaking spot. The artists depict everything from mountain meadows blanketed with wildflowers to downtown streets dotted with sidewalk cafés.

Wayne McKenzie, Telluride Classic, oil, 22 x 8.

Wayne McKenzie, Telluride Classic, oil, 22 x 8.

Each artist typically paints between eight and 20 pieces throughout the week, adding up to about 300 total paintings available for the public to purchase. There are a number of events connected to the weeklong celebration. In the Wet Room at the Sheridan Opera House, artists hang one fresh painting each, which are on view July 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On July 2 from 1:30 to 3 p.m., a plein-air Quick Draw takes place on Colorado Avenue, Telluride’s main street. Later that day, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Artists’ Choice Preview and Wine Tasting unfolds at the Sheridan Opera House, with each artist displaying a favorite painting. On July 3 and 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a show and sale is featured in the Sheridan Opera House’s courtyard.

These events are all free and open to the public. “What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to be in the beautiful town of Telluride with some of the nation’s best plein-air artists capturing the essence of Telluride,” says Kathrine Warren, marketing director for the Sheridan Arts Foundation.

Last year’s five top-selling artists are invited back to the show this year: Joshua Been, Michele Byrne, Wayne McKenzie, Douglas Morgan, and Jim Wodark. Other participating artists include Sergio Lopez, Bill Cramer, Susiehyer, Carol Swinney, and Keith Wicks. The Sheridan Arts Foundation and Wicks, who is the executive director of California’s Sonoma Plein Air show, created the Colorado event to benefit community programming and the restoration of Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House. This year a portion of the proceeds from the art sales benefits the Sheridan Arts Foundation. —Bonnie Gangelhoff

contact information
970.728.6363
www.telluridepleinair.com

Featured in the June 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art June 2013 digital download
Southwest Art June 2013 print issue
Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!


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