Selinsgrove's Plein Air Competition Showcases Artistic Talent

Selinsgrove, a quaint Pennsylvania town, recently hosted its Fourth Annual Plein Air competition, attracting a diverse array of artists who showcased their skills in capturing the town's natural beauty. The event, which drew 34 participants of all ages and abilities, challenged the artists to find inspiration within the town and create a painting or drawing within a two-hour timeframe.

Unleashing Creativity in the Heart of Selinsgrove

A Vibrant Display of Artistic Expression

The Plein Air competition in Selinsgrove was a testament to the town's thriving artistic community. Thirty-four artists, ranging from seasoned professionals to budding creatives, took up the challenge to capture the essence of Selinsgrove in their chosen medium. From oils and acrylics to pencils and crayons, the participants showcased the diversity of their talents and the depth of their artistic vision.The competition was judged by a panel of four experienced artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. "I'm very pleased by the number of entries," remarked Helen Walter, the president of the Selinsgrove Area Chamber of Commerce. "Last year, we had 22 people enter, and this year, the turnout has been even more impressive."

Capturing the Natural Beauty of Selinsgrove

The artists' task was to find inspiration within the town and create a painting or drawing that captured its essence. From the picturesque landscapes to the charming streetscapes, the participants had a wealth of subject matter to choose from. One artist, Kelly Charlesworth from Harrisburg, took home the best-of-show award with her stunning landscape oil painting of a section of the Isle of Que."It's one of my favorite spots," Charlesworth shared. "I entered this competition last year, so I knew what I wanted to paint. I'm pleased with how it turned out." The judge, Lynn Buck of Selinsgrove, praised Charlesworth's work, stating that the artist had "captured the natural beauty" of the location.

Judging the Artistic Merits

The panel of judges, comprising experienced artists, had the challenging task of evaluating the entries and selecting the winners. Joanne Landis, a judge from Troxelville, was impressed by the overall quality of the work. "I saw a lot of good work," she said. "There was a lot of talent here. It was tough to choose a first-place winner. I saw an abundance of color throughout."Landis explained that as a judge, she was looking for how the artist approached the subject, seeking to "have a sense of the person behind the work." Valerie Moyer, a landscape artist from Beaver Springs and another judge, was equally impressed by the high caliber of the entries. "The quality was outstanding," she said, noting that she was evaluating factors such as light, composition, texture, and the artist's unique personality.The full list of winners will be announced on the Selinsgrove Area Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page in the coming week, according to Walter. The Plein Air competition has once again proven to be a celebration of the town's artistic talent, showcasing the diverse perspectives and creative expressions of the participating artists.