Earth Day 2023 found us enjoying a wonderful day at the LeFleur's Bluff State Park with 32 competing Mississippi artists.  It was a beautiful April day full of amazing landscape coming to life right before your eyes.  

Artists found an area around Mayes Lake and began to paint with visitors to the park enjoying the chance to meet the artists and enjoy the Mississippi outdoors. If you have never seen an artist paint "en plein air", which is French for "in open air", it is quite the sight to behold.  

Artists love to paint in the outdoors to capture the nature light and the feeling of that place at that moment. The artists enjoyed the park and an amazing lunch provided by Rooster's/Basil's owner Nathan Glenn who is loves making and supporting art himself! 

The event sprang to life after Pacesetter Gallery owner Keri Davis met Jennifer Shows of MWFP at the Mississippi Tourism Association Conference. A perfect way for Mississippians to enjoy Mississippi art and Mississippi parks.  They can't wait for you to come out April 13, 2024 for this the event! 44 Artists painting from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM, entry into the park is $2. 

Keri Davis and Jennifer Shows pictured with 2023 Best of Show Winner Feixue Yang of Madison, MS who finished 2 watercolors during the timed competition. 

Renown Mississippi artist Bill Wilson returns as our judge for the 2024 Competition pictured with Jennifer and Keri and 2nd Place winner Artist Maggie Mayer of Madison, MS.

3rd Place went to gouache artist Lucie Wren Cooper of Jackson, MS.

4th Place oil painter Linda Peters spends time with young artists that enjoyed the day watching the artists at work. So much to see and learn!

We are so excited about 2024 En Plein Air Painting Competition LeFleur's Bluff State Park on April 13, visit with the artists and watch the work between 8:30 AM-3:00 PM Then...

This year after the competition the finished work will be celebrated at Pacesetter Gallery. The En Plein Air Show will open that night from 6-8 PM.

 Enjoy a glass of wine and see all the finished work and find the perfect piece to take home! Watch the video from 2023 and put April 13 on your calendar!

See you at LeFleur's Bluff State Park!

2023 ARTISTS AND SPONSORS

THANK YOU 2023 SPONSORS FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT FOR 2024 WITH NEW SPONSOR COMPLETE EXTERIORS ROOFING AND GUTTERS SIGNING ON AS A GOLD SPONSOR! 

MORE SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO COME.

 HERE IS YOUR LIST OF COMPETING ARTISTS FOR 2024!