• Over 80 paintings are expected to be entered in the sale.

Thirty artists have gathered to spend four days painting farmscapes, landscapes, treescapes and mountain ranges as part of the Star Valley Arts Council Plein Air Art event which is underway this week in and around Star Valley. At the conclusion of the painting period, art work will be judged and prepared for sale at the Plein Air Auction and Arts Sale taking place Friday and Saturday, September 20-21 online and in the Western Skies Fine Arts Gallery at 912 Washington, Afton.

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In addition to paintings created throughout the four days, there will be a special section dedicated to paintings completed in the Quickdraw event that is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Downtown Afton from 3-6 p.m. Artists will create images of downtown Afton. The public is welcome to stroll Main Street, watch and visit with artists as they create their pieces in and around the Elkhorn Arch.

The Plein Air Art Auction is scheduled for Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the gallery and online at auctria.events/SVPleinAir.  An awards ceremony is open to the public Saturday evening from 5:30 to 8 in the Afton Civic Center atrium.

“Between 80 and 100 paintings done within the last three or four days, all capturing scenes in and around Star Valley,” will be up for judging and auction, said Tim Hale, SVAC Treasurer and 2024 Plein Air Chairman.  “They’re so fresh, you can still smell the oil paint drying on the canvas. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see freshly created paintings. They are just beautiful, capturing all sorts of scenes.”

A unique aspect of the Plein Air format is that the public in attendance at the gallery can associate with the artists and vote on the selection of a “Viewer’s Choice Award.” Additionally, the artists are often in attendance at the sale, visiting with public. “It’s a great opportunity to just gather the community and celebrate the Arts.”