Perry Arts Council encouraging local artists to paint outside with Plein Air Perry event

PERRY — The Perry Arts Council is presenting their Plein Air event, encouraging local artists to paint outside this weekend. The event will also hold a gallery showing for those local artists who have participated on Sunday, May 18, at the Perry Events Center from 2-5 p.m.

Board member of the Perry Arts Council and owner of Paint with Lush Art, Heather DeLoatch, is organizing this event and described Plein Air as painting outside while being inspired by the elements around you. She has done many Plein Air events around Middle Georgia, and has always wanted to bring this event to Perry. 

“I knew when I took over Lush that I wanted to try and make something like that happen,” she said. “I went to one of the [Perry Arts Council] meetings, talked about Plein Air and they wanted to do that too, so it sort of became a joint effort.” 

On Saturday, May 17, artists are encouraged to go to either Downtown Perry, Rotary Centennial Park, near the Perry library or Arena Acres, anywhere from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Arena Acres will only be open from 9 a.m. to noon. 

“We’re encouraging people anyway to paint somewhere outside in Perry. They can turn up to two of their works in to the Perry Events Center by 6 p.m.,” she said. “The gallery is free to come to, so we kind of want people to show up to show artists some love.” 

Anyone can participate in Plein Air Perry. DeLoatch said there is no skill level requirement. Participants must only fill out a registration form.

DeLoatch is mostly looking forward to the painting itself. She said a couple of her coworkers will also paint with her. 

“It’ll be fun to sit and relax outside. Hopefully the weather stays nice, which it’s looking like it is supposed to be,” she said. 

DeLoatch is suggesting that artists use acrylic, watercolor or pen and ink. She said the style of what you’re painting is pretty open. 

“We’re kind of getting our feet wet with the event, so we’re pretty flexible,” she said. 

For artists getting more exposure, DeLoatch said Plein Air is an opportunity to chat with people while being out and about in these public settings. 

“Especially at the gallery, we’d love to see a good turnout. I feel like the more artists get out of their little box that they paint in at home, the better by having a chance to talk to other artists and talk to those that are going to appreciate the art,” she said. “Having these events, in general, really stir up creativity in a city.” 

Other than Plein Air Perry being free to the public, DeLoatch said participating in Plein Air offers a different vibe from painting a picture or painting in your house. 

“It’s a little more spur of the moment, and [Plein Air] makes you feel creative in a different way,” she said. 

Regarding the gallery, supporting local events and local artists is a reason to attend. 

“It’s free. It’ll get you out of the house for a second, and you will see some cool art and meet new people,” she said. 

To sign up for Plein Air Perry, go to docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdG1XGUhHulC-hbZQyP2SGjIS855xxI2iHQL78OOMRGEOAgrQ/viewform