It’s “plein” to see
Artistic inspiration at Escanaba waterfront
Jane Turner of Marquette chose to paint the Sand Point Lighthouse during Monday's "en plein air" painting event at the harbor in Escanaba. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
This collage depicting the Escanaba Harbor Crib Light was crafted by Ilah Wilson of Marquette during an event co-hosted by the Escanaba Yacht Clun and Bonifas Arts Center this week. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
Shown on an easel at the Escanaba Marina, facing the subject, is Patricia Frueh's pastel capture of Manitu, a sailboat owned by David and Joshua Anthony of Escanaba. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
Artists who participated in the firs en plein air painting event at the Escanaba waterfront pose with their finished works on the lawn of the Escanaba Yacht Club on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
Jane Turner of Marquette chose to paint the Sand Point Lighthouse during Monday's "en plein air" painting event at the harbor in Escanaba. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
This collage depicting the Escanaba Harbor Crib Light was crafted by Ilah Wilson of Marquette during an event co-hosted by the Escanaba Yacht Clun and Bonifas Arts Center this week. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
Shown on an easel at the Escanaba Marina, facing the subject, is Patricia Frueh's pastel capture of Manitu, a sailboat owned by David and Joshua Anthony of Escanaba. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
Artists who participated in the firs en plein air painting event at the Escanaba waterfront pose with their finished works on the lawn of the Escanaba Yacht Club on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Michael Manning)
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ESCANABA -- On Monday, a group of artists gathered at the marina in Escanaba for a first-of-its kind event: an en plein air painting event co-hosted by the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center and the Escanaba Yacht Club.
“En plein air” is a French term to describe the act of painting outdoors. Most often, en plein air painters recreate the natural scene before them.
Around 20 artists attended the event at the waterfront in eastern Escanaba this week.
One participating painter, Patricia Frueh, said that she enjoyed the setting, community and opportunity provided by the “lovely” event.
“We got to be in such a great environment for painting because of the many choices of subjects, such as the boats and the lighthouse and the plant life,” Frueh said. “It was also terrific to have the camaraderie of other painters -- supportive artists -- and we were able to look at each other’s work and give each other feedback.”
She noted that since it was not a contest, there was no pressure, and the weather helped made the activity enjoyable, too.
Creatives practicing various mediums created unique works. Some used pastel, others worked with oil, and there was even a collage artist who recreated the Escanaba Harbor Crib Light in torn-up paper.
“We live in such a beautiful place and it was a joy to watch these talented artists capture that beauty,” wrote Bonifas Education Coordinator Noah Johnson.
“Though this was the first year, nearly 20 artists from Wisconsin, Gladstone and Escanaba took part in the day-long outdoor painting event. …Feedback from the attendees was very positive, so this may become a yearly tradition,” wrote Michael Manning, secretary for the Escanaba Yacht Club and one of the organizers of the event. “Artists loved the amazing options in the areas near the club to find painting opportunities such as boats, lighthouses and the gazebo and flowers in Ludington Park.”
Johnson added: “The Bonifas was thrilled to partner with the Escanaba Yacht Club to make its first plein air event possible. …We hope the participants enjoyed their time, and we look forward to working with the Escanaba Yacht Club again in the future.”