CALL: Lake Champlain In Plein Air

This is the first call Vermont Art Zine has posted. We are experimenting with posting calls to artists for Vermont exhibits, and will evaluate whether we wish to continue with this practice.

2009 is the 400th Anniversary of the sighting of Lake Chaplain by Samuel de Champlain and artists been captivated by it right from the start. This summer marks a wonderful opportunity to celebrate its beauty and show the many ways that it can be expressed, by participating in a Plein Air Festival and Art Show in St. Albans, Vermont during the weekend of July 25 and 26.

This event will feature a chance for the public to meet and talk to artists while watching them at work. It will also provide an opportunity to view and purchase other artwork by the artists.

The Moose Lodge, on Lake Street in St. Albans, less than 5 miles from beautiful Lake Champlain, will be transformed into a gallery exhibiting lake-themed artwork by the participating artists. NVAA will handle sales during the exhibit and will retain a 10% commission, leaving artists free to paint anywhere in the area. While this will be billed as a Lake Champlain event and this theme should make up the majority of the artwork, there are numerous scenic spots in and around St. Albans and any plein air, local artwork will be accepted. There will be a map in the Moose Lodge for artists to show where they will be painting during the weekend to make it easy for their patrons to find them.

The Moose Lodge will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday  and Sunday, July 25 and 26. Additionally, there will be a reception on Sunday evening from 6pm to 9pm to exhibit works finished during this plein air event.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all artists who do original two or three dimensional artwork with a Lake Champlain theme. All media accepted. Artwork to be exhibited should have been executed in the past three years with plein air work done the weekend of the event. This is a gallery type exhibition, not a booth show.

FEE: $45 fee will cover 6' wide x 8' high display panel for paintings in the Moose Lodge, publicity including postcards for artists to send to their special patrons and a Sunday night reception. Additionally, Norm Choiniere of Champlain Collections will give a discount on plein air frames to participating artists.

AWARDS: Peoples' Choice awards will be presented.

DELIVERY AND PICKUP: Paintings for display should be delivered Friday, July 24 between 6 and 8pm. Unsold paintings may be picked up Monday, July 27 between 6 and 8pm.

INSURANCE: There will be overnight security and all due care will be taken but neither the Moose Lodge nor any sponsoring group or individual will be liable for loss due to accident, theft or injury at the exhibit or in transit.

CONTACT INFO: To enter send check for $45 to Lake Champlain in Plein Air, c/o Martha Ohliger, 63 North Road, Fairfield, VT 05455.

Image: Lake Champlain at sunset, viewed from Grand Isle looking 5 miles west towards Plattsburgh, NY and Crab Island, by Atlant