Artists from around Missouri and elsewhere will converge Thursday on Fulton's Art House for the annual Plein Air event.
"This is our fourth year doing this event," Art House manager and board member Danielle Warren said. "It's a four-day outdoor painting competition for 50 artists. They paint different scenes each day, and their works will be hung in the Art House and judged on Sunday."
Warren said this year's judge will be Central Missouri native Josh Crow.
"Josh is a young artist who participated in Plein Air two years ago," she said. "He had some wonderful paintings; he paints in a different style than your typical landscape. His are a little bit more modern. He is definitely an intriguing artist. Our curator recently came across a big solo show of his in Columbia, and it just reminded us of how great an artist he is."
Those not participating in the event, Warren said, are welcome to observe the artists as they work.
"We publish a flyer that the public can pick up, if they would like to see where the artists are," she said. "We have themes each day, and a list of suggested places for them to paint. Artists do have free range of the county, however, so they may not be in those specific spots. The best day to watch will be Saturday, when the theme is downtown Fulton and the farmers market."
Each day will have its own theme, with a timed paint Sunday morning.
Thursday is "Flower Day."
Friday is "Creeks, Lakes and Rivers Day."
Saturday is "Paint the Town Day."
Warren said Sunday night will be the grand reveal of the new paintings to the public.
"Sunday night at 5 p.m. is the 'Wet Paint' Reception," she said. "It's called the 'Wet Paint' Reception because oil paintings can take up to a week to dry, so it is a delicate process to hang them after only a few days.
"The reception is free and open to the public and will have a light buffet, drinks and possibly a musician."
The reception will also be the awards presentation, Warren said, and will feature first-, second- and third-place winners, category winners, honorable mentions and best-in-show.
"Artists are allowed to submit three pieces each for judging," she said. "After the pieces are judged, they can leave their pieces at the Art House for sale."
If any art lovers know they are going to pick up a piece or two, there is an exclusive reception an hour before the general public arrives.
"The VIP reception is for anyone who commits to buying a $300 painting or greater," she said. "There are some really amazing pieces, some really stand-out works each year, so it is a bit of a competition to get them."
If there are still eager artists out their itching to give Plein Air a try, Warren said they may still have a shot.
"I don't think (all 50 spaces are) quite filled up," she said. "I think we still have room for a few more, if they would like to sign up today. We always anticipate some stragglers."
If you would like to throw your hat in the ring, or would like to see what the event has in store, visit arthousefultonmo.org or call 573-592-7733.