Artists painting in Hot Springs State Park

On Saturday, September 8, more than 20 artists from around the Big Horn Basin will be painting on-location at Hot Springs State Park in Thermoplis during the inaugural Plein-Air Thermopolis. This all-day event will begin at 9 a.m. and end with a free public reception from 2-3 p.m. where the artists will be available to discuss their work and sell pieces painted that day, as well as other art from their studios.

There will be judging and first, second, and third prize ribbons will be awarded, and each artist is encouraged to bring three additional pieces of art to sell during the free public reception, so there should be a lot of art on display.

There are more than 150 Plein Air events around the country each year, ranging from 1-day paint-outs like ours to full weeks of quick draws, workshops, exhibitions and other festival events, with artists, dealers/galleries, collectors, and art supplies vendors participating.

Some events are “invitational” where only certain artists are invited to participate. Others are “juried” where artists send in digital examples of their work and a panel of judges decide whether to invite them to the event. And still others, like our Thermopolis event are “open” meaning anyone may come and paint.

In Wyoming there are several plein air events during the year in Jackson, Cody, Yellowstone Park, Brinton Museum in Storey, and now our first in Thermopolis.

Complimentary refreshments including wine and food will be served during the public reception. The public is also welcome to tour the park and watch the artists during the day as they paint its picturesque landmarks.

Plein-Air Thermopolis is sponsored by Smoking Waters Art Guild. “Plein air” is a French term for painting outside/on-location in contrast to work done in the studio.

For more information, contact Sherry Stottler at 307-347-3081 or Cindy Clancy at 307-921-8599