KC’s Plein Air season officially began last Friday at Plein Air KC‘s kick-off reception and Nocturne Quick Paint competition at Union Station. Plein Air is a French term which means “open (in full) air”. All paintings must be created outdoors during the festival and, at quick paint competitions, with time/location constraints.
In addition to Friday’s Nocturne competition, Plein Air KC will stage three additional “quick paints” in which artists will have two hours to paint in a specific area. A winning piece will be chosen by a judge each evening upon conclusion of the competition.
Quick Paint competitions are fun to watch as entire pieces are created in a short period of time making plein air a true spectator sport. When not “quick painting”, the artists will be out and about creating works in Penn Valley Park. The festival concludes with awards and an auction the evening of May 12 at Buttonwood Art Space.
Remaining Plein Air KC Schedule of Events
May 8, 6-8 p.m.
Quick Paint Competition #3 – Penn Valley Park Quick Paint
Enjoy a beautiful sunset at Penn Valley Lake!
May 10, 6- 8 p.m.
Quick Paint Competition #4 – Union Cemetery Quick Paint
Jazz Music by: Doug Peete’s Jazz For Good
Food available from: SSaaCC Lunch and Pita For Good Food Trucks
Cemetery Tours: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
May 12, 6-9 p.m.
Awards Ceremony & Art Auction
The Plein Air KC festival concludes with an auction where all of the hundreds of pieces of artwork created during the festival will be sold. This is a special chance to meet the talented artists, celebrate their work, and enjoy an evening of food and adult drinks with the Penn Valley Park Conservancy.
Location: Buttonwood Art Space, 3013 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108