City Walls at City Hall, an arts initiative of the City of Bend Arts, Beautification and Culture Commission (ABC), announce a special exhibition featuring the works of studio artists from the Plein Air Painters of Oregon (PAPO).
The new City Walls exhibit showcases work of our nearly 85 PAPO members. The majority of paintings were done outdoors, in a short single painting session. A variety of media, oil, acrylic, watercolor or pastels are employed to capture the time and season of the Central Oregon landscape.
PAPO is a regional artists’ organization with its roots in Bend. Founded in 2003, it provides opportunities for artists to gather at various locations between March and November. Most sites are within an hour’s drive of Bend, however, out-of-town paint outs are held at the coast, mountains and John Day Fossil Beds. Off-season, we encourage members to gather for “draw-ins” at local coffee houses and pubs.
“En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and describes the act of painting outdoors. Plein Air artists see and embrace the landscape unvarnished, describing for the viewer the beauty before them. It is the ultimate battle of light and time. The artists brave the elements to capture a fleeting moment in time.
The ABC Committee is happy to welcome these painters who represent some of the best from the Bend Area. “They reflect back to us some of the most spectacular scenery to be found in our beautiful Central Oregon setting,” said Daniel O’Neil of ABC. “We are glad to provide a showcase for such talent and to be able to share them with the citizens of Bend.”
The show will begin at a public reception with the artists from 5-7pm on Friday, April 1, at City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street. The show will remain on display through September 2016.
The City of Bend Arts, Beautification & Culture Commission aims to inspire the community through art. For more information: www.bendoregon.gov/abc.