Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Competition

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Kathy Chassee

"Plein air" describes the technique of creating art in the open air—a process that provides dramatically different results as artists adapt to a day's shifting weather patterns and angles of light. Weeks Hall, the last owner of National Historic Landmark-listed Shadows-On-the-Teche, was a practicing artist who painted en plein air as well as many other styles. A few years ago, Shadows honored the artistic tradition that Hall began by establishing a plein air art competition, which returns to the historic house's grounds this month. In March, dozens of well-known artists from across Louisiana and around the South will come to town to have their blank canvases marked, then will head out into New Iberia and its surroundings to ply their pastels and work their watercolors. Artists' work will will be exhibited and available for sale in the Shadows Visitor Center, when the competition winners will be announced. The paint-out, ceremony, reception, and exhibit are all free to attend. Additional details at shadowsontheteche.org.