The month of August, being a prime summertime month in the Puget Sound region, is also prime time for plein air painting — that is, painting outdoors in natural light, capturing the surrounding scene or landscape.
It’s no surprise then that this region is rife with plein air events in the summer, including Bainbridge Island’s own Paint Out Winslow, taking place this year on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20, presented by Bainbridge Arts & Crafts.
Beloved tradition though it may be, some new things are in store for this year’s event.
Since its inception in 2014, Paint Out Winslow has taken place only in the Winslow area. With its eclectic storefronts, varied waterfront views and steady stream of foot traffic, it has served as the perfect place to paint on a late summer weekend, BAC officials said.
Starting this year, however, BAC is inviting artists of all levels to get a fresh perspective and paint anywhere on Bainbridge Island during the two-day event.
Other changes afoot this year include free participation for all painters, as well as a new “amateur” category. There will be prizes awarded in cash and art supplies in both the professional and amateur categories during a public celebration on Sunday afternoon.
Former BAC director of education Lynnette Sandbloom led the creation of the event three years ago. She envisioned, she said, “an energetic and communal painting opportunity for area artists while also bringing them into the public eye.”
Making the event more accessible to all with free entry creates even more opportunity, and is in alignment with BAC’s mission of encouraging the appreciation and creation of fine contemporary art in the community, said Georgia Browne, programming and outreach director.
“We are thrilled to continue this community event, and this year it is better than ever,” Browne said. “Since now it is completely free to participate, island-wide and has both amateur and professional categories offered, there is no excuse not to join in the fun. Bainbridge Arts & Crafts is proud to nourish and support the artist in each and every one of us.”
After a day and a half of painting time, a juried evaluation will take place at Winslow Art Center in the Winslow Mall on Sunday afternoon, with awards and a reception. The public is invited to join the celebration and enjoy viewing the finished works, which will be on display at Winslow Art Center until Thursday, Aug. 31.
For more information, and to register online, visit www.bacart.org/paintout. To register in person, drop by the gallery (151 Winslow Way East) or call 206-842-3132.
