Saranac Lake welcomes 17th Annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival

SARANAC LAKE | The Adirondack Plein Air Festival is an annual tradition in Saranac Lake, celebrating its 17th year this month. This unique event invites 40 talented artists from across the country to capture the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains through their art, painting plein air, Aug. 18-23. "En plein air (pronounced plānˈer) is a French term meaning "in the open air." It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or subject, rather than in a studio. This approach allows artists to capture natural light, atmosphere, and the changing conditions of the environment in real time. The festival kicks off Monday, Aug. 18, 7-9 p.m. with a "Meet the Artists" reception at the Hotel Saranac, where attendees can mingle with the painters and preview the week ahead. On Tuesday, artists head to Paul Smith's College to "Paint the VIC's" serene trails. Wednesday's highlight is "Paint the Sunset" at Ampersand Bay Resort, where artists will paint as the sun goes down over Lower Saranac Lake. Thursday brings "Paint the Town," with artists scattered throughout downtown Saranac Lake. The day also features the third Thursday ArtWalk from 5 to 7:30 p.m.; the silent auction at the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery begins at 5 p.m. The winner of the "Nocturne Contest" will be announced at Hotel Saranac at 7:30 p.m., and a celebration honoring ArtWorks co-founder Sandra Hildreth's retirement will follow. On Friday, Aug 22, artists will "Paint the Saranac River" from the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club. That evening, the Preview Party, showcasing hundreds of fresh works created during the week, will begin at 6 p.m. at the Harrietstown Town Hall. Tickets are $25 and include drinks and appetizers. Awards will be announced by juror Beth Bathe at 7:30 p.m. Artwork created during the week will be available for purchase. Saturday wraps up the festival with the popular "Quick Draw" Competition from 9 to 11 a.m., with artists racing to complete a painting in just two hours. The winner will be announced on the steps of Town Hall at 11:45 a.m. The Show & Sale will be open to the public, with free admission, at 11 a.m. The silent auction concludes at 4 p.m., with the festival officially ending at 5 p.m. Spectators are welcome to all these events. People are encouraged to stop and watch artists at work. A printed schedule and list of painting locations can be picked up at event headquarters: the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, 52 Main St. ArtWorks is also holding a special 50/50 raffle this year; the prize winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the Festival and proceeds will go towards the Sandra Hildreth ArtWorks Scholarship, which will be given to a graduating senior continuing their education in the arts. This is a great opportunity to see everyday landscapes, buildings, and other views portrayed as works of art. Visit saranaclakeartworks.org to learn more.

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Saranac Lake welcomes 17th Annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival

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