By L. Whynman
The first annual International Plein Air Festival San Miguel is about to take place November 10th-13th. This inaugural event will recognize San Miguel as one of the most attractive and exciting sites in the world to paint.
The event has attracted watercolor artists from all over Mexico and beyond to explore, enjoy, and paint in our charming colonial city. Artists will paint the bustling colonial center of San Miguel de Allende and the semi-desert landscape of El Charco del Ingenio. Participants’ art will be judged by a panel of renowned artists, and prizes will be awarded at a gala reception November 13th in Casa Europa. Paintings will be on exhibit and for sale at Casa Europa the 11th, 12th and 13th.
Galeria San Francisco in Fabrica Aurora is hosting this inaugural, exciting four-day International Plein Air Watercolor Festival. Galeria San Francisco is a member of the International Watercolor Society (IWS), an arts organization with more than 100 branches and organizations around the world and is the only IWS branch in Mexico. Linda Whynman, Susan Santiago and the hard-working committee of Karen Blackburn, Trish Brock, Jane Dill, Ayla Douglas, Carol Jackson, Sally Nash, Beth Rosener, Lorie Topinka, Kathy West and Joyce Whittle have been planning this event for over a year.
This Festival will enjoy worldwide exposure and audience. After the devastating events of the pandemic and its effects on our local economy, the wish is that this premier Plein Air event in San Miguel will help revitalize small businesses, hotels and the economy of our pueblito. In addition, as this festival grows, the plan is to donate funds to help young, emerging Mexican artists continue their studies at universities.
Artists will be feted with events at private homes, the Mask Museum, and Galeria San Francisco culminating with a gala at Casa Europa. Volunteers will be assisting artists as they paint around San Miguel and at El Charco. Be on the lookout for easels and brushes and artists diligently focused on capturing the beauty of San Miguel. Visit IWSSMA.org for more information and write Iwssma2022@gmail.com to become a member.
