Outdoor painting event planned in January

Artists who like to paint outdoors—- or “en plein air” — will have a new challenge this month.

Based on interest expressed at last summer’s Plein Air Festival, the Red Wing Arts Association is planning a “Plein COLD Air” event Jan. 6-8.

“This is a first for us,” Director Dan Guida said.

Last June some of the outdoor painters “thought it would be fun” to try it in winter, and they also were interested in capturing images of the community in a different season.

The event organized by the association will be less formal, more “laid back” than the summer version, Guida said. It will be less competitive as well. Instead of vying for cash prizes, artists will compete for “fun awards.”

Participating artists will be on location painting winter scenes over the three days.

Among them will be Bob Bonawitz of St. Paul, past winner of the summer competition, and Ivan Zassavitski of Minneapolis, Jim Henley from Southeast Minnesota, Ann Tristani from the Twin Cities, Steve Delaitsch from Central Minnesota, and other regional plein air artists.

Local artists in the event will include Sarah Singer, Dan Wiemer and Art Kenyon.

“I hope it’s not 20 below,” Guida said. “We’ll keep hot chocolate and hot chili going at the gallery.”

Also, he said, they’ll spend at least one session painting views from Fairview Red Wing Medical Center, where they can go indoors and warm up as necessary.

Other locations with views and nearby facilities are also being considered.

“The artists are excited about it,” Guida said.

The plein air paintings will be included in the “Winter Wonders” Show.

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