Plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air” and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors, which is also called peinture sur le motif, “painting on the ground” in French.

The scenic, pastoral rural landscape of Sanpete County is dotted with sheep, cattle, horse and agricultural farms as well as historic cities and is known for its beautiful countryside of farmlands, majestic mountains and wonderful blue skies. Additionally, Spring City is a National Historic District, where dozens of 1800s Pioneer homes and buildings are located in a rural city setting.

This is huge fodder for artist’s imagine and they may paint anywhere in Sanpete County; its cities, farms, mountains and streams and of course Spring City. Possible scenes include historic streets and structures, pastoral vistas, mountain and stream scenes, landscapes and agricultural subjects. Professional artists may turn in up to five completed, framed and ready-to-be-hung artworks. All traditional plein air painting mediums are acceptable, but work must be done “en plein air” without the assistance of photography.

Artist studio tour

Various artist studios are scheduled to be open from Noon to 6 p.m. There is no tour guide, but a map is available showing the locations of each studio and each artist will be at their own studio to host visitors, giving each person an opportunity to visit with and enjoy the artwork.

Some of the studios may be up or down stairs and the map will indicate which are handicap accessible. There are usually 15-20 studios on the tour with most being located within a fairly concentrated area.

Parking in Spring City is free and there are a few lots in nearby locations available.

In addition to artist studios, in the center of town is the Spring City Art Gallery, which exhibits examples of artwork by various artists to view and also to purchase. The gallery will be open throughout the day of the tour, beginning at 10 a.m., where works by local and visiting artists who participated in the plein air painting competition are also available for purchase.

There will be a taco cart set up and also the Das Cafe will be open to feed hungry visitors. Also going on throughout the day will be a quick paint event with artists completing pieces to be completed by 11 a.m., followed by a live auction.

If visitors stay until evening, they should make an effort to attend the live radio show, “Life Under the Horseshoe,” at 7 p.m., featuring skits, stories and musical numbers and a barn dance at one of the local barns.