As you’re taking your daily stroll along the Boardwalk, be on the lookout for artists at work out in the open from Aug. 8-12! Plein air artists will compete in this year’s annual “Artists Paint OC,” the 13th annual competition among outdoor artists.
Fifty artists, some regional, some from around the country, will paint from Wednesday through Saturday at picturesque spots around town. The Art League’s Facebook page will track some locations and keep you up to date on the newest artistic creations happening right here in Ocean City!
This event begins with the Wet Paint Party & Sale on Aug. 11. Artists can bring newly-created works to be hung on the walls inside the Ocean City Center for the Arts. An acclaimed local plein artist, Kirk McBride, will judge the work and award more than $2,000 in prizes! This party is from 6-8 pm, and is free to the public! This gives people the chance to meet with the artists and collect original artwork priced affordably. There will also be refreshments, a band, and craft beer and wine, courtesy of The Art League.
Then, Sunday morning kicks off the Quick Draw Contest, beginning at 9 am in downtown Ocean City. At 11 am, they will return to the boardwalk for their work to be judges. The judges will then announce a winner, and award $500 in cash prizes. The public will then have the opportunity to purchase any of the freshly-created art right off the easel until 1 pm.
It’s not every day that you get to stroll the streets or boardwalk and see artists at work! “En plein air” is French for “in the open air.” This type of art takes place wherever the artists consider to be inspirational scenery.
If you can’t make it into town for “Artists Paint OC,” you will still be able to experience the art! The plein air artwork will be on exhibit at the Ocean City Center for the Arts through the end of August!
