Recap: Plein Air Fairhope 2025
The smell of oil paints and linseed oil is wafting from the Woolley Gallery, for it is Day 3 of the Plein Air Fairhope paint out. A few of the more tenacious artists have already dropped off works, glistening with the wet brush strokes that give the gallery its “art studio” scent. The exhibit space consists of sixty hanging rods, awaiting artworks depicting the houses, storefronts, and shorelines of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore.
Plein Air painting, or “the act of painting outdoors” is a challenging exercise for the artist. Elements like natural light and weather are active participants in the artistic endeavor. Artists capture atmospheric paintings of outdoor scenes and architecture, embracing the shadows and sunlight. During an event, the artist will have canvases and paper stamped to ensure that they paint within the restricted timeframe of the event. Set up with an easel and the “artist toolbox”, artists complete pieces in a single sitting, with very little, if any touch ups at all. The result can be arresting, evoking sense memories beyond visual stimulation.
For seven years, ESAC has hosted the event, chaired by Reanna Watson and Adrienne Clow. Together, they arrive by 6:30 am on Day one to stamp hundreds of canvases and dole out much-needed coffee and event details. Artists have traveled from Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and from all over the beautiful state of Alabama. Many of the artists they know and love, having worked with them in exhibition and workshops/classes. The new faces are greeted eagerly by staff and other PAF artists. This event allows the staff to share their favorite “secret spots” along Mobile Bay to visiting and local artists.
“This exhibit is so dynamic. It is exhilarating to see the shorelines and green spaces depicted in a variety of mediums through the eyes of many different artists.” Always up for a challenge, Adrienne Clow, Exhibit Director for ESAC, anticipates the rush of work that is installed only moments before ESAC opens the doors to hundreds of visitors attending November’s Art Walk.
Exhibit work can be hung on the walls until 2 pm, when judging promptly begins. This year’s judge, Karen Philpott, is also a Plein Air painter. This is her second year with PAF, but she is no stranger to Plein Air painting, having painted the hills of Tennessee before making her way to South Alabama. from 4 pm to 5:30 pm, ESAC staff frantically tweaks the show, checking the rods and mounts while Kayla tracks the inventory for labeling and point of sales. It is an “all hands on deck” occasion.
“There isn’t a show without the coordination of staff and the monumental effort of the Plein Air artists” says Reanna. “These artists are outdoors, all day, painting in a variety of conditions. They are committed to filling this gallery space with exemplary work. We are very grateful to have such talented artists take part in our event”.
Although the artists and staff create the exhibit, it is the City of Fairhope that serves as the muse. Without this community, with its breathtaking homes, charming cottages, quaint storefronts, and gorgeous BnBs, the walls would be empty. To the residents and individuals that encourage the artists to paint on their property, we thank you! To all the curious citizens that buy pieces off the walls and easels, we thank you! And, of course, we celebrate Mobile Bay and the shorelines that have inspired so many artists, from painters to writers to photographers and ceramicists. We thank you for helping us with yet another sucessful Plein Air Fairhope.
A BIG THANK YOU goes to Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects for sponsoring the exhibit and to our judge/award sponsors: Jones Law Firm, Prestwood Law Firm, Jubilee Suites, The Fairhope Store, and The Fairhope Inn. Thank you to our Meet and Greet sponsor Little Bird Fairhope. Thank you to the additional businesses and families that supported our artists by purchasing Pick My Spot sponsorships:
The Balcony
The Rachal Family
The McMichen Family
The Neely Family
The Etheridge Family
The Davis Family
The Rorie Family
On exhibit through Dec 20th, stop by ESAC to view over 200 Plein Air Fairhope pieces. You may recognize a few of the houses or storefronts while discovering something new.
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