Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Art Competition

Spring is coming, and the balmy breezes, bright sunshine, and enchanting scenery of Acadiana (not to mention its renowned hospitality) promise to lure artists from their studios out to New Iberia for the fifth year of the Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Art Competition. The week of March 9—16, almost three dozen artists from across the country will set up their easels throughout seven southwest Louisiana parishes in the storied practice of open air painting by observation.

The competition is a delight for artists as well as community members, who enjoy getting the chance to appreciate a fresh take on the prized live oaks and cheerful Main Street storefronts they might see every day.

“We're proud of our town, and it's amazing to have people come from all over the country—to see it through their eyes,” said Pat Kahle, director of Shadows-on-the-Teche.

The results will be judged by guest artist Morgan Samuel Price, who will also be hosting an art lecture and painting demonstration during the week, both of which are free and open to the public. The awards ceremony (also free to attend) will be held Friday evening, and all completed paintings will be available for viewing and sale.

If watching all those brushstrokes capture the natural art of Acadiana before your very eyes has you itching to stretch out a canvas yourself, be sure to join in the free-for-all Paint Out Friday, March 15, on New Iberia's Main Street, or the Quick Draw Competition in the historic district the next day. In the meantime, locals can support the competition by suggesting unique or particularly eye-catching spots for artists to capture, or by hosting or providing a meal for a visiting artist during competition week.

For a complete schedule and to see completed works from previous years, visit Shadows-on-the-Teche in person or at ShadowsOnTheTeche.org.