FM, Keokuk groups bridging county art

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BY BRIAN RIGGS

FMAAA Director

FORT MADISON - The art industry like all else in life is constantly changing. A decade ago Barn Quilts were all the rage. Last few years Paint-Your-Own Canvas parties certainly attracted interest. Gaining in popularity in leaps and bounds is the growing plein air competitions around our area.

“Plein Air” means to paint outside, what you see, in the elements, on occasion with gawkers looking over your shoulder or mosquitos buzzing on your neck. Should you have that type of countenance and the skill to render what the landscape communicates to you in pastel, watercolor, colored pencil, or oil, you may have what it takes for this competition.

The idea originated with Virginia Riddle’s desire to showcase Rand Park in Keokuk for some type of art contest where amateur artists could compete for prizes. Virginia joined forces with another Keokuk Fine Arts Council member, Joe Fierce, to pursue the proposition. Keokuk Rock the Arts committee worked with Ft. Madison Area Arts Association’s Art-in-Central park to form a collective cultural arts weekend for Lee County Sept. 21-23, that will be marketed as Bridging the Arts in Lee County. Both non-profit organization’s resolved to match Virginia Riddle’s donation and a Lee County Plein Air Competition was born. From there outside patrons have added to both Keokuk and Ft. Madison awards to be determined on each day of display.

An artist may participate by submitting $25 for both days or $15 per day per town to compete in one day. Keokuk paint day is Sept. 22 with competitors needing to turn in works by 4:30 p.m. for competition at the tent outside of The Grand. Artists may submit up to two works for judging, but may display more for sale. Canvases or paper can be stamped at Keokuk Convention and Visitor Bureau at 8 a.m. that morning and maps will be available.

Display will be from 5-7 p.m. for the public to view or purchase at the tent that will be set up next to the Grand Theatre. First place will be awarded $225 while second takes $125 and third $50. Virginia Riddle Family will select Best Rand Park piece for $200 purchase award. A “People’s Choice” purchase award at $300 will be selected at the event as well.

The plein air awards is pigeonholed between two major bands at the Grand. Hear the Motown Sound of Fantasy Band at 3pm followed by the heralded Tom Petty tribute band, Free Fallin’ at 7:30pm. Tickets for the Grand Bands available at Keokuk Convention and Tourism Bureau and Hy-Vee in Keokuk, as well as FMAAA gallery in Ft. Madison.

Ft. Madison is the subject matter for the second day of competition on Sept. 23. Artists can get their canvases stamped at Art-in-Central Park in the morning and then off to paint. Finished products need to be at Art-in-Central Park for hanging at 2 p.m. for display at the event from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. next to the Microbrew BBQ.

Placements awards are the same as Keokuk with addition of four added Honorable Mention awards at $50 each. FMAAA will award purchase award for best Rail/River scene. Due to the shorter painting day, Ft. Madison will look to offer a nocturne painting opportunity at Riverview Park after the Keokuk display for those artists interested. Art supply merchandise awards will be granted at the display time as well from sponsors Jack Richeson Fine Art Materials and Guerilla Painter to a $500 overall level. Dr. Marie Brady Whitcanack will be the juror for both Lee County plein air sites. So if you see a plein air siting in Lee County the weekend of Sept. 22-23, smile like spotting a Bald Eagle a few years back, cause the movement is popular and spreading its wings!

competition, Fort Madison Area Arts Association, Keokuk Arts Council, Pen City Current, plein art

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