Teche Plein Air Competition
New Iberia, La 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. 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 14.
The public can observe artist events like the Quick Draw Competition in downtown New Iberia on Saturday, March 7, at 4 pm; as well as participate in painting demos by artist judge Charlie Hunter on March 10 at 1 pm and on March 12 at 2 pm. They can also participate in the Paint Out! competition in downtown New Iberia on March 13, which is open to the artists of all ages and skill levels.
Additional details at cityofnewiberia.com/pleinair.
