Great Black Hills Plein Air Paint Out (FREE)

What: Great Black Hills Plein Air Paint Out

When: Thursday, Sept. 6 through Saturday, Sept. 8

Where: Thursday, Sept. 6, Fillmore Mine; Friday, Sept. 7, Rochford; Saturday, Sept. 8, Lead-Deadwood, wet sale at Deadwood Masonic Temple, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Free to the public



Novice and professional artists are invited to be inspired by the scenery at the historic mining camps of Timon, Rochford, and Lead and Deadwood at this year’s Great Black Hills Plein Air Paint Out, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6 through Saturday, Sept. 8.

The Paint Out was started eight years ago by John and Jan Humphrey, owners of the Blue Dog Art Gallery in Lead. The term “plein air” means to paint outside and that’s what participating artists have done in years past, painting in Black Hills settings that include South Canyon, Lead, Meeker Ranch and Pearson Ranch in Deadwood.

When the Humphreys retired in 2010, the Lead Deadwood Arts Center took over the event, holding last year’s Paint Out in conjunction with Deadwood’s Festival of Books.

“It was a great match,” said Karen Everett, executive director of the Lead Deadwood Arts Center. “Beautiful places with great historical buildings always make gorgeous settings for the Paint Out.”

Any artist may register for the Paint Out until Saturday, Sept. 8. Most participants are from the area, although some have come from as far away as Europe.
Some of the more prominent area artists at last year's Paint Out included Tim Peterson, Gary Steinley, Bill Feprol and Sandy Newman.

“They just kind of show up,” said Everett, adding that about 18 turned out last year, and in the past upwards of 35 people participated in the Paint Out, which gives the artists a rare chance to get together.

“The event creates a real camaraderie for the artists, and they inspire each other,” she said.

Any medium, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, and pastel, may be used and artists are free to paint the nearby scenery or any other subject they choose. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Although there is no age limit, Everett said there has never been a child artist in the Paint Out.

“If a child is inspired by art, then they should participate,” Everett said. “In fact, last year one of our youngest participants painted one of the pieces that was sold.”

On Thursday, Sept. 6, artists participating in the Paint Out will convene at the Fillmore Mine, moving to Rochford on Friday, Sept. 7. On Saturday, Sept. 8, the event will culminate with a “wet sale” at the Masonic Temple in Deadwood from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Paintings created during the Paint Out will be on display and for sale there, with the artists pricing their own work.

The public is invited to attend the wet sale, so named because the work is so new that it sometimes really is still wet, according to Everett. Everett said in past years, small pieces sold for around $40, with larger paintings commanding prices in the $400 to $500 range.

“Seventy percent of the proceeds go back to the artists,” she said, “and the rest goes to the Arts Council and is used to continue the arts programs in the Lead/Deadwood area.”

The Paint Out is free to the public, and people are invited to come and enjoy the artwork and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. It’s also a social gathering for the artists, who often work alone.

“It’s a great way for artists to get together, enjoy the company of other artists, and get to paint in the beautiful Black Hills,” Everett said.