11 Jul 7th Annual Plein Air for the Park Starts July 18

The Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters (RMPAP), in partnership with the Grand Teton Association, will hold their 7th Annual Plein Air for the Park art show and sale July 18-22, 2018, at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor’s Center (CTDVC) in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). The exhibition will be displayed in the impressive 1,200 square-foot gallery space which currently houses the Park’s permanent art collection.

The event gathers 41 nationally recognized professional artists from around the country at Grand Teton National Park. Participating artists will paint beginning July 9 in GTNP and the Jackson Hole area.

The new works created will be displayed at the CTDVC starting at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 18. A Gala Reception will be held at 7 PM that evening. The show will run through Sunday, July 22 at 4 PM.

This year’s Awards Judge is Josh Elliott, nationally recognized master artist. All event activities are free and open to the public.

The event benefits the Grand Teton Association, with 39% of the proceeds from the sale of works at the show going to this worthy group. Founded in 1937, the Grand Teton Association works in concert with the National Park Service to provide educational and informational materials for sale to GTNP visitors. Profits earned from these sales finance publication of new educational and interpretive materials, and support GTA’s educational, interpretive, and scientific programs in Grand Teton National Park. To date, Plein Air for the Park has raised over $100,000 for the Grand Teton Association.

“Plein Air for the Park enlightens the public about how we work as plein air painters,” says Jake Gaedtke, RMPAP President, “But it also serves a higher purpose: enhancing visitor understanding and environmental efforts within Grand Teton National Park. We reach an incredible amount of people. The event simply gets better every year.” Gaedtke, a founding member of the RMPAP 17 years ago, has recently taken on the role of President. “Being with the organization from the start, I’ve seen how much we’ve grown. We’ve made a tremendous impact partnering with the Grand Teton Association, and that’s something I’m very proud of.”

For more information about Plein Air for the Park, and to view the full schedule of events, click here.