Artists to find inspiration in the open air

MONTGOMERY — Artists, take it outside please.
Open yourself to nature's beauty at the second annual Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival happening Columbus Day weekend throughout the Mid-Hudson.
Thirty jury-selected artists are travelling from across the country to participate, fanning out across the region from Olana, the historic home of plein air artist Frederic Church (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5), to the shores of the Hudson River in Newburgh, and many farms, historic sites, and open spaces in between.
Meet the artists at a welcome reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Wallkill River School, 232 Ward St., Montgomery.
The public will be invited to several opportunities to see the art and participate in the event, including a "quick draw" event at Newburgh Waterfront from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Newburgh Landing. Any artist may participate by registering from 2 to 3 p.m. Artists will then have two hours to capture the waterfront in a finished and framed work of art. The competition is from 3 to 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. the public may vote for their favorite artwork and purchase pieces off the easels.
The public is invited to an exhibit at Orange County Community College from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Artists will be on hand to talk about their work. The exhibit will be on view through Oct. 28.
This festival and event are made possible with funds from Orange County. Award funds are provided by sponsors Walden Savings Bank, Angry Orchard, Raymour & Flanigan, D&H Canvas, Times Community Newspapers, Gamblin Oils, U-Art Pastel Paper, Orange County Audobon Society, Greenwood Lake Chamber of Commerce, Goshen Art League, Trestle Inc., Montgomery Book Exchange, and Ms. Claire’s Musical Cupboard.
For more information call 457-2787 or email wallkillriverschool@gmail.com.