Coastal VA Plein Air made its 2022 return in April, bringing art and people together for the love of Ocean View. Eighteen professional fine artists arrived on April 19 and began to depict their impressions of Tidewater onto canvases in oils, acrylic paints, and pastels. The artists traveled from all over the East Coast, arriving from states as far away as Florida and New York and everywhere in-between. They painted furiously for several days to capture the light, beauty, and spirit of what they saw outdoors onto their canvases. During the event, Coastal VA Plein Air held a professional artist workshop, free painting demonstration, facilitated a paint-out at the Virginia Zoo, and hosted the artists who painted the flora, fauna, architecture, and landmarks of our beautiful region. On Sunday, April 24, a huge party was held at COVA Brewing Company and the paintings began selling and going home with their happy, new owners. Congratulations to the winning artists Vlad Duchev, Elizabeth Rhoades, and Greg Johannsen.
The Virginia Zoo Paint Out winners were selected by Judge Gale Smith. Winners were Maria Reardon, Lynn Mehta, and Karen Spaulding. An honorable Mention went to our youngest artist Elena Clarke.
Coastal VA Plein Air is a 501(c)3 organization that raises money for public art and education in Ocean View, a terrific community in Norfolk, Virginia. Its first sculpture was dedicated in October 2021. The organization is getting close to being able to fund its second public sculpture – the goal is to have the funds in hand by next April.
Mark your calendars for 2023 Coastal VA Plein Air now. The event is scheduled for April 18-23, with the closing Art Show and Sale taking place on the final day. The organization welcomes volunteers and donations.
