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. Nine years ago, the 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 be exhibited and available for sale in the Shadows Visitor Center, when the competition winners will be announced on the evening of March 17.  

The public can observe artist events like the Quick Draw Competition in downtown Lafayette on Saturday, March 11, at 4 pm; as well as participate in painting demos by artist judge Dawn Whitelaw on March 14 at 1 pm at the Hilliard Art Museum, on March 16 at 2 pm at the Shadows, and from March 18–20 at The Bazus. They can also participate in the Paint Out! competition in downtown New Iberia on March 17, which is open to the artists of all ages and skill levels. 

Additional details at shadowsontheteche.org.