Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Competition
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Shadows-On-The-Teche 317 East Main Street, New Iberia, Louisiana 70560
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. On March 12, 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 surroundings, to ply their pastels and work their watercolors. On March 18, artists will return finished work to the Shadows where it will be judged by Vermont plein air artist Mark Boedges.
Artists' work will will be exhibited and available for sale in the Shadows Visitor Center beginning on March 18, when the competition winners will be announced. The ceremony, reception, and sale are all free to attend.
Other events available to the public include a two-day watercolor workshop for plein air painting by artist Richie Vios, held at 7837 Main Highway St. Martinville from March 9–10. 10 am–5 pm. $200. There will be the annual Plein Air Quick Drawn on March 12 (3 pm–5 pm), the Paint Out on March 18 (9 am–1 pm), and a special extension of the overall event to Delcambre.
See Boedges in action on March 15 (1 pm at the HIlliard Art Museum) and March 17 (2 pm at the Shadows), an art talk at the Bayou Carlin Cove Boat Landing & Pavilion on March 13 (noon), and a three-day workshop, also presented by Boedges, held at the Shadows on the Teche Museum from 8:30–4:30 pm March 19–21 ($599).
Additional details at shadowsontheteche.org.
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