In celebration of its eighth anniversary, Plein Air–Easton! has launched a brand new opening event presented as a benefit to members of the Friends of Plein Air–Easton!The Friends of Plein Air–Easton! Opening Dinner & Paint-Out takes place Saturday, July 14 (Bastille Day) on the Normandie estate located on the Tred Avon River. The property boasts beautiful water views, striking architecture, lovely gardens, and an impressive world-class classic car collection.
The Opening Dinner & Paint Out will offer guests the opportunity to meet this year’s 58 competitors—some of the most renowned artists in the world of plein air painting—as they arrive, register, and begin painting in the weeklong painting marathon. These talented artists will be eager to connect or re-connect with our community, make new friends, and gather tips on the best places to paint in the upcoming competition week. Artists will also be invited to paint that evening, allowing guests to become familiar with the artists’ work and get the inside track on who to watch during the week ahead. Guests will enjoy a lavish French dinner catered by Gourmet by the Bay, live music, and the company of artists and fellow art lovers. The Opening Dinner & Paint-Out follows the romantic tradition of Victorian picnic paint-outs on great estates in the company of patrons. The evening will end with an exhibit and sale of the works created that day.
Normandie, home of Gale and Henry Petronis, was designed in 1927 by famed Philadelphia architect Frank J. Forster. Forster was known for appropriation of old world style, and Normandie references a French village in its layout. On 64 acres, the house is ideally suited on a Tred Avon River peninsula, with waterfront views on three sides.
In addition to the main residence, there is a large structure fondly called the Auto Barn, which houses the couple’s collection of classic cars. The Petronis collection consists of 45 to 85 (depending on the owner’s current interests) American cars of the 1930’s and 40’s. Henry talks about these automobiles as “just for fun,” and they are the successors to his renowned collection of European cars. The Petronis’ are frequent hosts for domestic and foreign automobile enthusiast clubs.
The Friends of Plein Air-Easton! is an active base of supporters and collectors who strive for the sustainability and success of Plein Air–Easton! while promoting conservation and tourism through the arts and a distinct sense of place. This year, as the primary benefit for becoming a “friend,” donors will be invited to attend the first Friends of Plein Air-Easton! Opening Dinner & Paint Out, on Saturday, July 14 at 7pm.
Plein Air–Easton! is the work of the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide diversified arts and educational programs that improve the quality of life in the Mid-Shore region. The Academy Art Museum is the accredited museum venue for the competition exhibit. The event is also supported by the Talbot County Arts Council, along with corporate and individual donors. Strong community support and sponsorships have helped make Plein Air–Easton! one of Easton’s largest events and America’s premier plein air festival.
Artists’ and judges’ bios, galleries, itineraries, educational components, registration for ticketed events, Friends of Plein Air–Easton! membership information, and more are available at www.pleinaireaston.com.
For further information, email [email protected] or call the Plein Air–Easton! hotline at 410.822.7297.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
7 pm
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