The 3^rd Annual Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open

 Returns to Whidbey Island

 Artists, come celebrate the 3^rd Annual Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open with the Coupeville Arts Center September 3-7, 2008.  Join over 100 plein air artists in an open competition (no jury to enter) painting the beautiful scenery on Whidbey Island.  The entire Island is open to “paint” this year.

 Enter your work in the Juried Exhibition and Auction, sell your art, and win awards at the Gala/Auction on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at the Historic Crockett Barn.  In addition to Best of Show, awards will be given for Best Townscape (Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Bayview, Langley, and Clinton), Best of Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, Best of the State Parks (Deception Pass, Fort Casey, and Fort Ebey), Best Farm/Farmland Scene, Best Seascape/Maritime, and Best Historic Building.

 Then on Sunday, September 7, 2008, exhibit and sell more of your work at the Public Sale and Exhibition, also held at the Historic Crockett Barn.

Art lovers:  the Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open offers a unique opportunity to watch “art in action,” with paintings being created before your eyes. Come and watch the artists paint at this truly memorable event benefiting arts education on beautiful Whidbey Island. 

You can purchase your favorite painting while enjoying tasty foods and delicious wines at the Gala/Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at the Historic Crockett Barn.  If you miss the Gala, you will have another opportunity to purchase art at the Public Exhibition and Sale, Sunday, September 7, 2008, from noon to 4 p.m., again at the Historic Crockett Barn.

Sponsors:  to become a sponsor, contact info@coupevillearts.org.  Last year’s sponsors were:  Kapaw’s Iskreme, Coupe’s View Studio, James Moore, Al Currier, Compass Rose, Coupe De Villa, Coupeville Inn, Dakota Art, Insights Gallery, Suzanne Ramsey, Gene’s Art & Frame, Prairie Center Red Apple Market, and an anonymous donor.

Artist registration ($50) and Gala/Auction tickets ($50) can be purchased on-line at www.pleinairopen.com or by calling the Coupeville Arts Center at 866 678 3396 (toll free) or 360 678 3396.