Driggs, Idaho activities: Plein Air took place this past month! From July 27 through August 2, artists gathered in Driggs to take part in learning, collaboration, and a little healthy competition.
In the world of Art, Plein Air is an expression from the French which means “in the open air,” and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Plein Air painting challenges artists to concentrate on the information in front them, and re-create their impression with paint onto canvas in the moment. Plein Air painting became popular in France in the late 19th century and largely contributed to the onset of Impressionism.
Plein Air painting is a large part of this region’s history. Our early visions of the west, and the Tetons, came from Plein Air painters such as Thomas Moran (for whom Mt Moran is named) and Albert Bierstadt in the late 1800’s.
Every year painters come to Driggs, in Teton Valley Idaho, to participate in a week-long artistic celebration, hosted by the Downtown Driggs Community Association. Artists and spectators are treated to gatheringsand events during the week, Paint Outs, Quick Draws, Demonstrations, Portrait paintings, Miniatures, and an on-going Gallery of Plein Air paintings. Artists are welcome to sell paintings at the City Gallery for the entire week of the festival. Spectators and Collectors are welcome for free at all the events. The Quick Draw at Music on Main (a concert held weekly in Victor, 8 miles to the south of Driggs), is especially popular!
The Awards Gala was well attended, as it took after the Grand Opening of the new GeoTourism Center!
The workshop this year was offered by Nancy Lewis. Visit the Workshop page of this site to learn more! Enjoy two days of learning from before the week of painting (space is limited). If you missed out this year, do not fret! This is an annual event with growing support and interest!