Ohio Plein Air Society to showcase outdoor art at Holmes County Art Festival

In Holmes County, there’s Plain people, which defines the Amish, and then there’s the plein people, a term that encapsulates a group of artists who dedicate themselves to capturing art in the outdoor arena, whether that is nature itself, landmark buildings or anything that captures their fancy.

This year the Ohio Plein Air Society members will return to Millersburg for the upcoming Holmes County Art Festival. The OPAS members will be around the area Sept. 19-21 and will be located around Historic Downtown Millersburg during the festivities Saturday, Sept. 20 while exploring the county and its various scenic possibilities the days on either side of the art festival.

The big show will come Sunday, Sept. 21 at the courthouse in Millersburg, where the judging for the event takes place, and the public is invited to visit to see these pieces of art.

The OPAS members will have their easels set up and their paint brushes gliding over the canvas as they create paintings of whatever captures their fancy. The only stipulation is that the piece of art must begin Thursday and be turned in for judging by Sunday morning.

According to Craig Staufer, event chairman and board member of OPAS, each artist must have their painting surface stamped on the back, and they must create paintings within the boundaries of Holmes County. They will use Hotel Millersburg as their home base with the final judging and awards ceremony on the courthouse lawn, weather permitting.

Last year OPAS visited Millersburg, and there were more than 60 artists competing for more than $7,000 in prizes. This year that total sits at $8,000, with a top prize of $2,000 for the piece deemed Best in Show.

Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe will serve as this year’s competition judge.

“We try to bring in a new, well-established painter to serve as the judge each year,” Staufer said. “We are excited to have Ron serve as that artist this year.”

The event will start Thursday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. and end Sunday, Sept. 21 with the paintings displayed and awards announced at 1 p.m.

Sunday also will feature a second opportunity to showcase each artist’s talent, but they have to be great under pressure.

“We offer a quick-draw competition Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,” Staufer said. “Each member can sign up and head out and paint, but they’ve got to be quick because there isn’t a lot of time.”

For visitors, it is a chance to see some of the finest artists from the state of Ohio gathered in one place.

The Plein Air Society typically refers to a group or organization dedicated to the practice and promotion of plein air painting — a French term meaning “open air.” Plein air painting is the act of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or surroundings, with an emphasis on capturing natural light, atmosphere and the immediacy of the scene.

Key features of a Plein Air Society include mission and focus to promote the appreciation and practice of painting outdoors, connection with nature through art, and fostering a community of artists who share this passion.

“Just being outside and a lot of times in nature really creates an inspirational setting,” Staufer said. “That is in large part a big reason our members enjoy this so much.”

With membership open to artists of all skill levels, from professional painters, hobbyists and sometimes art collectors to members who typically participate in group paint-outs, workshops and exhibitions down to beginners, Plein Air focuses on community and networking, bringing together people with a shared passion in an arena that provides camaraderie and support among its artists.

One neat feature of the group is it offers critiques, feedback and inspiration, all assets that help each member grow as individual artists.

Following the event, Donoughe will offer a three-day painting workshop at Holmes Center for the Arts.