New outdoor painting competition bringing plein air artists to Wauwatosa in July

The public is invited to experience the first Wauwatosa Plein Air Affair outdoor painting competition featuring local and regional artists competing for more than $1,200 in cash and prizes, along with an art exhibit, silent auction and family fun from July 9 – 18. Proceeds support Wauwatosa Historical Society preservation and education activities.

Plein Air Affair artists, identified by participation banners, will be scattered in the outdoors throughout Wauwatosa from July 9 – 16. Come and observe the artists painting scenes of the city’s historic homes and buildings, diverse neighborhoods and business areas, as well as beautiful gardens and parks. In addition, a quick paint competition will be held in the historic Wauwatosa village from 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, July 18.

Each artist may submit up to two paintings for judging and sale. All Plein Air Affair artwork will be framed, on display and available for purchase by the public through a silent auction that begins with a community preview kick-off party from 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday, July 17 at the Little Red Store, 7720 Harwood Ave. The quick paint entries will be judged and added to the silent auction by 1:30 p.m. on July 18 for public viewing, bidding and purchase.

On July 17 and 18, the Plein Air Affair will also feature food and ice cream vendors, wine selections from Vino 100 and family entertainment including local musicians, a Rhythm for Unity drum circle, Steinkellner’s community canvas painting project and a scavenger hunt in the village.

Silent auction winners will be announced at the Little Red Store by 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Plein Air Affair artwork will also be exhibited during the Firefly Art Fair, Aug. 1 – 2, at the WHS Kneeland-Walker House headquarters, 7406 Hillcrest Drive. Pictures still available will be for sale at that time.

Early artist registration is due by July 1st. For a total fee of $30 artists may register for either the main paint out, quick paint or both events. Registration is $40 after that date or in person at the event. Art must be created using two-dimensional media (e.g., oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, gauche, pen and ink, pencil, charcoal) on canvas, paper or board that measures no more than 16 inches x 20 inches.

Major Plein Air Affair financial support is provided by Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa, Outpost Natural Foods, Steinkellner Decorating Center and Vince Ingrilli & Sons Plumbing Co., Inc.

For more information on the Wauwatosa Plein Air Affair visit www.wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org or see details on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wauwatosa-Plein-Air-Affair/84643478361?ref=nf.

The Wauwatosa Business Improvement District will join in this unique summer fun with a Soiree de Village event the evening of Friday, July 17 and all day Saturday, July 18. In addition to the one-of-a-kind local art exhibit, there will be entertainment, refreshments and business specials throughout downtown Wauwatosa. More information on Soiree de Village is available at www.villageofwauwatosa.com.