Leaving behind the walls of the art studio and stepping out into the world of plein air art may be a new concept for some, but it has been around since the 1830s. Translated from French, en plein air means “in the open air,” where the artist paints outdoors with the subject in full view, taking advantage of natural light—sun and shadows. Its popularity increased in 1870s France with the introduction of tube paint and portable easels, allowing artists to take their medium with them (prior to that, artists had to mix their own paints from raw pigments, confining painters to their studios). Monet and Renoir, French Impressionist painters in the late nineteenth century, were among the first artists painting en plein.

The method spread throughout Europe and was soon brought to America, where artists like Mary Cassatt (a Pennsylvania native) chose to employ the outdoors as her studio. The idea has gained momentum over the years, with plein air festivals and competitions popping up across the globe and attracting hundreds of artists and curious onlookers.

“I attended a plein air festival in Michigan back in 2015 and thought it would be a great idea for Wellsboro,” says Larry Harris, a member of the Wellsboro Art Club (and the only male in the group). “I was there for work and saw families having a great time enjoying the artists and their creations. I knew it was something we could do in Wellsboro with great success.”

After mulling it over for almost eight years, Larry proposed the idea of a plein air art competition to his Wellsboro Art Club colleagues during the group’s 2023 Christmas party. The response was positive. Fellow club member Colleen Krise says, “We’re excited for our first competition, which will be held September 13 and 14. It’s open to everyone, regardless of ability. We have three categories they can register for: professional, nonprofessional, and kids. It’s a competitive event with judges and prizes.

“The artists pick their own location, which can be anywhere in Tioga County,” she continues. “They’ll have eight hours to create their piece in order to have it judged. We’ll have a ‘Quick-Draw’ as well, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the fourteenth. Friday night’s opening reception of the Wellsboro Wilds Plein Air Festival at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts lobby will include a speaker. Saturday, there will be artists along Wellsboro’s Main Street and on the Green, where we’ll also have live music—an Appalachian Old-Time Jam! Old-time [style] musicians are welcome to join. The public is encouraged to come out to view the artists at work and ask questions. Saturday evening we’ll be hosting a reception at the Deane Center to showcase the artwork and have the award ceremony.”

Will there be a rain date? Colleen chuckles. “These are held in all sorts of weather. Artists bring tents, canopies, even painting out of the back of their vehicles.”

For more information on the festival or to become a member of the Wellsboro Art Club, visit their Facebook page or call (814) 331-5900.