Plein Air - For a Cause

Dateline: Saturday, September 20th.  Isn't that the way a news story might begin many (many) years ago?  I'm sitting here pondering today's Plein Air event.  Today the main event  was called Paint the Town for a Cause, as part of the proceeds are designated to help feed hungry children.  Beyond the specific 'cause'  though, I'm searching for words to fit the day.  Joyful. Fun. Colorful.  Maybe Hats, and most of all Smiles.

I couldn't help but smile nearly all day.  First my folks are in town for a visit, which is always wonderful.  To add to that, my wife Deborah was with me, all the artists were bringing life to their canvas, the scenery of Solomons is breathtaking...  and on and on.  Smile.  If you weren't there, well, I'm hoping I might bring you a snippet of the day here.

Team Hyundai brought in a bunch of cars to display.  A red hot rod, an old Dodge truck, an Oldsmobile, MG,  Corvette and a Cadillac.  They surrounded the Pavilion and most of the invited artists chose to focus on that scene.  This was a fantastic event, and the cars alone were show pieces that everyone could enjoy.  Under a bright sun and cooling breeze I walked up and down the Riverwalk and admired the other artists.  There were a few in some other places - like near the Episcopal Church too, but the Riverwalk and Gazebo had the vast majority.

Heather

While I've already told you the words that come to mind, there's another observation that I want to share.  The number of young artists and families was striking.  An Art Class from the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus came out under the direction of Professor Andrew Wodzianski.  As it turned out one of his students was creating a painting of the Solomons United Methodist Church.  Heather was not anywhere near completed with the painting, but Deborah was already taken by its form.  So we asked if we could buy it.  This was a completely new experience for us and for Heather.  Not really sure what to offer, we walked away for a few minutes and did a little quick research and came up with what we hoped was a fair price.  We went back and made an offer -  which included me being able to take Heather's photograph.  The offer was graciously accepted, and Deb and I went back to the organizers to arrange for the payment.  Here's the funny thing... we have yet to see the completed painting.  We weren't originally sure we could be back for the 1 PM finish, and had made arrangements for the painting to be secured.   Our schedule changed and we did get to the gazebo to see the judging.  Professor Andrew told us that Heather was still working!  Oh my goodness!  Neither Deb nor I wanted to intrude on Heather's progress so we did not dare go back to see it.  When the judging was done, we asked Andrew to either leave it at the Gallery, or at the Church. He was a friend by now, so we can call him Andrew --- which is one of the beauties of Solomons, you can easily make new friends. I guess I'll need to post an update with the final, but I'm sure we're going to love it.

 The cool thing about this festival, was the variety of ages of the artists. A young family were together and all were painting.  I knew the children were young, very young.  Turns out they are 5 and 6!, and their mom (Nicole) was in the CSM class. The amazing part is that these very young artists were not THE youngest!  That honor went to a 3 year old little girl, and I might add that her 'abstract' painting sold!

Nicole

3 Yr Old's "Sold" art!

The next several photos capture another range of students:



  Liza is another CSM student.  She was just getting setup when I first met her, so I didn't capture her art.  Her smile though!  Now that's beauty!

Liza

I was asked to shoot a few photographs of a young lady that goes to our church.  She was so focused on her painting that I didn't want to interrupt her. 

Katie

The students were wonderful and really made the event fun.  I'm going to give the professionals a separate blog tomorrow.. soon anyway.  I want share the other smiles that I found.. some include the senior artists though.


I didn't catch her name, but another CSM student.  Loved the hat. Now that I think about it, there were a number of great hats on display.


Yes, as far as I'm concerned that's a smile from the German Shepherd.  He was gorgeous.  His owner is a photographer too.  Dawn took a photo of me while I was trying to get one of her.. I didn't quite get there  .. sorry Dawn:

Dawn, just finished getting my photo.. we both laughed

My beautiful Mom.

The female artist smiled after an interchange with a little girl that was walking by. 



 To the left, Peggy tried to avoid my lens, but I told her I really did want to take her photo.  I think this was one of my best of the day.

Peggy was volunteering with the sales and organization, and you may find her working in the Calvert Marine Museum.

 As I was taking the picture of the dog, the owner said she was surprised he didn't look away as he ALWAYS does..  He was smiling for me... you can see it right?

His owner has a beautiful smile too..  I'm telling you the event brought smiles to everyone.























And lastly, my wife 
bought a pastel done by Greg Johannesen.  She was happy, Greg was happy.  More Smiles.








That's all for now,  more to come, though it may take a few days.

I'll have a few more shots of some younger folk, and I'll show you some of the works of the other artists.

Blessings,
Brian