2017 Riverfront Paint Off September 1-8

Riverfront Paint Off 2017, September 1-8, Historic St. Charles, Missouri

     The Riverfront Paint Off is a plein air event hosted by Rebecca McGuire in Historic St. Charles, Missouri. Plein Air, or open air painting, is an exciting way to create art, painting on location and trying to portray the light and atmosphere of the moment. Being out in the elements to paint can provide an inspiriting environment in which to work. Being able to hear and see wildlife, feel the breeze, and see the light change, all have profound effects on perceiving the scene in front of the artist.

     This year marks the 4^th year that Rebecca will host the Riverfront Paint Off. Artists will have September 1-7 to create in Historic St. Charles, with specific themes and contests each day. Daily contests will be for cash prizes, or for purchase prizes. A purchase prize sponsor gives a theme or specific subject for the artists to focus on during a timed contest, and then the sponsor chooses their favorite piece to purchase. Our sponsors come from all over St. Charles County to donate to the event or sponsor prizes. Art created during the Paint Off will be displayed at Picasso’s Coffee House on Main, Framations, and Remington’s, during the month of September.

     The Riverfront Paint Off is just getting off the ground as an event, and is beginning to look at giving forward. Last year, artist Jan Foulk was an inspiration to us, giving her prize money to a cause that she has started, buying sewing machines for low income women in Africa, so that they can provide income for their families. By coincidence, the purchase prize sponsors that bought one of Jan’s paintings were the owners of Liviara, a luxery lingerie line based in St. Charles. Textiles and art came full circle to provide textile equipment to help others. At the Awards Reception last year, we also raffled off a small painting to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, in memory of a past sponsor, whose family continues to support the event.

     At the end of each day, winning paintings will be hung at Picasso’s on Main, 101 N. Main Street. By September 8, more art from the event will be displayed at Picasso’s on Main, Framations, and Remington’s. Final Awards Reception will be Friday, September 8, 7pm, with live music at 8pm.

     As the event grows, more sponsors and volunteers are wanted to help the event give back to the artists who provide amazing artwork for us to see.

     Artists can register and view photos from past events here at Riverfrontpaintoff.blogspot.com .

To become a sponsor of the event, contact Rebecca at noelbernhardt@yahoo.com .