Wexford is yet again opening its doors to artists from Ireland and worldwide as it prepares to host the 16th Art in the Open Festival.
From 30 July to 7 August, County Wexford in the southeast of Ireland will proudly host its 16th annual Art in the Open Festival. The event is Europe’s largest plein air festival.
As usual, the hope this year is that the festival will welcome hundreds of artists. Artists from Ireland and around the world will paint stunning landscapes in three different counties.
The Art in the Open Festival − Europe’s largest plein air festival
Wexford’s Art in the Open Festival is Europe’s largest plein-air festival, and it welcomes participating artists from 18 countries.
These artists will participate in daily painting excursions in areas such as New Ross, St Mullins, Rosslare Strand, Ballyhack/Passage East, Ballymore Demesne and Wexford Town.
The festival will ultimately culminate in a massive exhibition of their finished work in Green Acres Gallery. This will take place on the Sunday and Monday of the August bank holiday weekend.
As part of the festival, there will be a variety of social gatherings held. There will also be several public events at the National Opera House.
This includes Valerie Moffat on Plein Air Painting on Sunday, 30 July, at 5 pm and a Plein Air Forum on Thursday at 8 pm, which can be booked here.
Supporting local charities − important causes
The Art in the Open Festival will host 18 master classes and workshops. There will also be demonstrations from some of the world’s best plein air artists.
The annual charity element involved with the festival will see support for many important local causes.
To support local charities, a Quick Draw event will be held on Wexford’s Main Street.
The artists involved will sell paintings to members of the public in aid of the Wexford Women’s Refuge.
“We’re looking forward to working with them and raising some funds to support them as they build their new refuge in Maudlintown,” said festival manager Alma Hynes.
Last year’s quick draw was a great success as it raised €3,250 for Wexford Rape Crisis Centre.
Becoming patrons of the festival − costs just €50
People attending the festival are invited to become patrons of the Art in the Open Festival. You can do this by making a €50 donation.
The donation includes an invitation for you and a guest to attend the Art in the Open exhibition private preview and wine reception in Green Acres.
Also, if you purchase a painting, €50 will be deducted from the purchase price.
Speaking about becoming a patron, Alma said, “Either way, you are supporting a fabulous, fast-growing festival which is non-profit, run by volunteers, creates no noise, litter or traffic jams and contributes handsomely to the local economy every year”.
So, to become a patron, you can ring 085 8042213 or sign up on the festival website here.
