Shadows-on-the-Teche Plein Air Competition

"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 10, a few dozen 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 16, artists will return finished work to the Shadows where it will be judged by nationally-known artist/instructor Erik Koeppel. The awards ceremony and reception will be on March 16, and all submitted works will be on display in an exhibit. 317 East Main Street. (337) 369-6446 or shadowsontheteche.org.