NASHVILLE, Ind. – Continuing the creative tradition of Indiana’s oldest en plein-air painting contest, the Great Outdoor Art Contest is returning next weekend for its 36th year at T.C. Steele State Historic Site, in Nashville.
Visitors are invited for an up-close look as artists from around the state compete in one of Brown County’s most beloved celebrations of Hoosier painters on Saturday, September 14, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 each.
Painting “en plein air,” or “in the open air,” is where the artist paints a landscape outdoors, with their subject in full view. The style is noted for capturing a landscape’s light and motion. Indiana artist T.C. Steele was renowned for his plein-air paintings.
Artists begin with nothing but blank canvases and complete their masterpieces in a few hours.
Artwork judging is at 2 p.m., followed by an awards announcement at 3:30 p.m. The top three pieces from the adult and youth categories will be displayed at the Brown County Art Guild until Sept. 29.
Anyone interested in competing can apply online at IndianaMuseum.org until Sept. 14 for $20 per adult or $15 per youth. Day-of registration will also be available.
The Great Outdoor Art Contest, presented by the Indiana State Museum, is made possible by the support of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association and is part of Brown County Art Colony Weekend, from September 13-15.
