4th Annual Downtown Bellingham

Plein Air Paint Out & Exhibit

 This event is to raise public awareness about sustainable studio space for artists in the region, specifically downtown Bellingham, therefore we will be asking the plein air artists to set up easels around or near the Holly St corridor.  Because “Gentrification” is happening in all the art towns of the Northwest none are exempt from the problems facing their organic artists. We are making history!

PAPO 09 will be promoted on BTV10, Bellingham’s own television channel.  Watch for that soon!

 We are painting Downtown Bellingham!  Join artists from all over the area for the “4th Annual Downtown Bellingham Plein Air Paint Out”, sponsored by Studio UFO, Blue Horse Gallery and the City of Bellingham…  Last year we had over 70 artists on the streets of Bellingham on one weekend and we are hoping for 100 this year!   Please save the date now and join us in August!  Bellingham affords us all the elements of a city on the cusp of great change.  From breathtaking water views, to parks inhabited by enormous fir and deciduous trees to interesting urban landscapes always bustling with many Bellinghamsters amidst old historic to modern buildings and landmarks.  Gentrification of Bellingham means higher property values which could mean that it will become harder for artists to remain sustainable in the downtown core; therefore we want to make our presence known and show how much we contribute to the quality and the richness of the downtown.

 This plein air painting date is Saturday and Sunday August 22 & 23, 2009 10am-3pm.  It all culminates in a huge art show at Blue Horse Gallery with an Artists Reception on Friday Nov 6th and runs through Nov 30.  The art exhibit is well advertised and a spectacular community effort.