The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) is pleased to announce artist applications are open for the first annual The En Plein Air Art Market on June 24th from 10am-4pm at River Mill Park in Downtown Huntsville.
Sponsored by Hear Well, Be Well, the event consists of a day-long art market featuring local artists along with live outdoor painting and music. A maximum of 20 local vendors will have their work on display and available for purchase. This original art will include paintings, jewelry, ceramics, clothing & fashion, and more.
“We’re thrilled to bring this new event to Huntsville’s Downtown” says HfA Executive Director Dan Watson. “It offers opportunities for local artists to sell their work, brings more visitors to downtown Huntsville and raises funds that will help young artists to develop their talents.”
The market also marks the return of the popular En Plein Air painting event. The event originally run by Kelly Holinshead of the Shutterbug Gallery, invites artists and area dignitaries to grab an easel and some paint before choosing an outdoor location downtown to inspire their creations. A few hours later, participants have to put down their brushes. The paintings are then given a bit of drying time before they are auctioned off to the public at 4pm, with proceeds going towards the Kareen Burn Visual Arts Scholarship supporting a local student studying visual arts related studies in a post secondary institution or program.
“Kareen was an HfA Board member and creative force in our community.” adds Watson. “She loved events like En Plein Air, and we are honored to raise funds in her name that will support young artists at the beginning of their careers.”
The deadline for applications to participate is May 18, 2023 at 5pm.
Participating vendors will be provided a 10ft x 10ft space in River Mill Park, on site support and will be included in the marketing and promotion of the event. A $100 deposit is required to secure a spot. These vendors will then receive a $50 refund on the day of the event.
Artists who wish to participate in the live painting En Plein Air Auction event, will be provided with a blank canvas and paints. Those who wish to participate as both vendors and as live painters will receive a full refund on the registration fee.
For further information and updates, please visit huntsvillefestival.ca or huntsvilleartcrawl.ca