ORANGE COUNTY, NC (September 6, 2021) – The Orange County Arts Commission presents the 5th Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-Out and Wet Paint Sale November 3-5, 2021. Artists are invited to Orange County, North Carolina, to capture the landscapes and landmarks signature to the Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Carrboro communities. Participating artists will paint at their sites of choosing throughout Orange County from November 3-5, and will submit up to three of their favorite paintings for jurying on Friday, November 5 at the Eno Arts Mill Gallery in Hillsborough.
The OCAC is honored to have Katie Ziglar, Director of the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (pictured, left), as this year’s guest juror. An awards reception and preview party will take place at 6pm, followed by a reception and Wet Paint Sale at 7pm, in which the submitted paintings will be available for sale. Funds generated by the event will support the Orange County Arts Alliance (OCAA), a new nonprofit organization created by the Orange County Arts Commission to further support and nurture the creative community of Orange County. Funds raised by the OCAA will support programs such as grants, public art, and arts in education. Masks are required to attend the reception.
Painting en plein air, or “in open air,” encourages artists to evoke the beauty of the natural world by creating work on-site and recording only what they see. Plein air painting is seen throughout the history of art; however, it gained popularity with the Hudson River School and Impressionist movement in the mid-19th century. Although some artists specialize in this art form, plein air painting can be achieved by artists of all types, who wish to draw inspiration from the landscape around them to create their work.
Artists are encouraged to take advantage of early registration, through September 30, for $25. Beginning October 1st, the price increases to $30. There is a $20 flat rate for students (must present valid student ID at check in).
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Created in 1985 as the official government agency on the arts by a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) serves as a clearinghouse for arts information, facilitator of arts programs and advisor to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the arts. As the Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council in Orange County since 1985, the OCAC is responsible for sub-granting state and county funds to arts organizations, schools and artists throughout the county. Our mission is to promote and strengthen the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina.
