SaratogaArtsFest Paint Out invites visual artists

Saratoga Springs is known for its scenic downtown, and now there is an opportunity for visual artists to capture and display that beauty in a "plein air" Paint Out offered as part of SaratogArtsFest 2009. The third annual SaratogaArtsFest, scheduled for June 11?14, is a citywide celebration of music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art.

"En plein air" is a French expression meaning "in the open air" and is specifically used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Even painters who have never experienced a Paint Out will enjoy the unique experience of creating a work of art "on location."

The Paint Out artists will be assigned to locations on Broadway in Saratoga Springs or along the winding paths of picturesque Congress Park right off Broadway. The painting will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13.

Artists will be required to complete at least one piece of art over the two-day period. On Sunday, June 14, the completed works of art will go on exhibit for public viewing and sale.

Participating artists will be responsible for dropping off their completed artwork between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on June 14 at the exhibit site. A 20 percent commission on all artworks sold will go to SaratogaArtsFest.

Paint Out artists must register to participate. Registration can be done online by completing the visual artist application form at www.saratogaartsfest.org. The application form may also be submitted by mail to SaratogaArtsFest, c/o Skidmore College, Box 2460, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The application deadline is April 20, 2009.

For more information, contact Susan Farnsworth, artist relations coordinator for SaratogaArstsFest, at 518-580-8010, or email slfdesign@aol.com.