2023 Open Studios Plein Air Paint Outs And Meet-the-Artists Mixers at Chautauqua

 

As Boulder heads into summer, the artists are back at Chautauqua. Open Studios will host two plein air dusk-to-dawn “paint-outs”at Boulder’s Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Monday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 21 from 7a.m. – 7p.m. Artists and the public will mingle and look at the art produced during the day at a Mixer and Wet Paint Exhibit and Sale held both days from 5 – 7 p.m. at the outdoor Pavilion next to the Dining Hall. 

 

Both the paint-outs for artists and the mixer, exhibit and sale events are free of charge and open to all. Artists must register online or visit the Open Studios tent near the Pavilions during the paint outs.

 

“This coming week, there will be two days at Chautauqua. It’s refreshing that it’s not that structured or compulsory to comply with a schedule. It’s dawn to dusk. If you’re an early 

riser, you can paint from dawn to noon and go home. Being able to paint at Chautauqua is great,” said Artist and Architect George Sanderson.

 

While plein air painting is usually a solitary endeavor, this event brings the community together. The Artists can setup anywhere on the Chautauqua grounds. They use a variety of materials including oil paint, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, spackle, pastel, colored pencil, ink, charcoal, linocut, woodcut, and fiber. For art students, this informal event is a great way to learn some new tips. Observers can watch, learn, talk with them.

 

At the end of each day, artists may consign their work to Open Studios for the public Mixer, Exhibit and Wet Paint Sale. This event is located at the Chautauqua Pavilions between the Dining Hall and General Store. Open Studios will provide charcuterie plates and soft drinks at the Mixer from 5 – 7 p.m. There is no fee to for artists or the public to attend this event, thanks to our host Colorado Chautauqua.

 

Artists, see the following notes for more details about consigning

and selling your artwork at these events.

 

The forecast is mostly sunny on Monday, but afternoon rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Sanderson has a good time at these events regardless of the weather. He brings a water bottle and sets up an umbrella to deal with the inclement weather. Last year his daughter, artist Sara Sanderson, joined him to paint. The dynamic elements of Chautauqua make the Plein Air event even better.

 

 “The thing about an overcast day is you take your chances. It’s a beautiful, cool, inviting time where you’re not being overheated by sun. It’s not dusty or dry. It’s like camping. You’re taking a chance and you’re trying to capture some of those elements on canvas,” Sanderson said.

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INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS

 

All artists, regardless of skill level or affiliation, are welcome to join the paint outs this week at Chautauqua. Artwork you create during the day may be consigned to Open Studios for the Wet Paint Exhibit and Sale at the end-of-day Mixer, 5 to 7pm each day. Space is limited and artwork will be accepted for exhibit and sale on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

You may begin bringing artwork to the Open Studios Information Tent to sign a consignment agreement between 4 and 5 each day. Open Studios will handle sales, including sales tax, and will retain a 25% commission on artwork sold. Artists will receive payment for their sold work on or before July 1st.

 

Artists are responsible for removing and taking their unsold artwork at the end of the Mixer at 7 pm each day. There is no storage for artwork at Chautauqua.

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