The 2nd Annual Plein Air Competition and Silent Auction was a great success for local professional and non-professional artists alike!

Artists painted in Plein Air, a French expression for the “open air.” Twenty-five gifted artists participated in this extraordinary event, canvassing various scenes throughout the Ogden Valley. Participants registered early Saturday morning and were off to find the perfect setting for their chosen Plein Air pieces. This event was truly exceptional, for the artists forever captured moments in time, here in the beautiful Ogden Valley.

Kris Wilkerson of Wilkerson Fine Art & Consulting sponsored this 2nd annual event, and was delighted by the turnout of artists. "The caliber of the artists participating and quality of the artwork submitted was exciting to see.  The pieces really captured the essence of the valley and the ever changing weather experienced on Saturday."

The Plein Air judging began at 4:30 p.m., in Huntsville as part of the 13th annual Balloon Festival. David Koch, a member of the Plein Air Painters of Utah, judged this event. David is well known throughout the country and was recently selected for a large commission for the Utah State Capitol Murals.  He is a full-time painter with a uniquely loose, and fluid painting style.  As an outstanding Plein Air painter, with a fine sense of detail, all those involved in the event were honored to have David as their judge for this competition.

David's assessment and judgment of the pieces with emphasis on three primary categories: color, shape, and edges. He had quite a burden, for each piece provided a unique depiction of Ogden Valley. After much time and consideration, David ranked artwork in both professional and non-professional categories.

An awards ceremony took place at 6 p.m. to honor and announce the Plein Air winners, and distribute more than $3500 in cash prizes. The first place award in the professional category was given to Steven Heward, of Sandy, Utah. Steven's 1st place piece, entitled "Huntsville Pond" reflected a myriad of soft colors and tones with a bold water's edge. "Color," according to David Koch was what instantly commanded his attention and attracted him to the piece.

Other Plein Air winners for the professional category were Doug Braithwaite of Sunset in 2nd place, and G. Handrahan of Kaysville in 3rd place.  Roberta Glidden and Ryan Skidmore took Honorable Mentions. In the non-professional category, winners were Mary Grow of Provo in 1st place for a fine watercolor of the Eden Marina, Jami Willson of Liberty in 2nd place, and Karen Pike of West Valley in 3rd place.

The Silent Auction began at 4:30 p.m. with a mountain thunder storm and cloudburst, and went on throughout ever brightening weather until 7p.m. Valley citizens and festival goers browsed and admired the Plein Air art painted from their very own surroundings. Several pieces from the Plein Air Competition were auctioned off to appreciative patrons.

In case you couldn't make it to or got rained out of the Silent Auction, you are in luck. Pieces from the Silent Auction, as well as other Ogden Valley themed art, can be viewed and purchased in the current Plein Air exhibit located at Wolf Creek Clubhouse gallery space.

Thank you to all the artists who participated in this event. Each personal perspective and input made this event possible and a wonderfully enriching experience..