Many of your have already gotten your application in for the Eleventh Annual Plein Air Event.

This year there is a Quick Draw Workshop with Joe Basco, 2023 Best in Show Winner. Registration for the workshop is separate and limited to 15.

If you would like a complete Prospectus emailed to you please call 706.635.5605 and we will send you the PDF.

Description: Plein Air, Art in the Mountains is a four-day gathering of artists who are at least 18 years of age, using all mediums, painting en plein aire at locations around Gilmer County that host the artists for an opportunity to paint outdoor vistas and views in the North Georgia Mountains. The art-filled weekend will end with a fine arts auction. Headquarters for the events will be at The Gallery, 207 Dalton St. and The Playhouse, 135 Dalton St.

Four Days May 15-18, 2025 Ten Hosted Sites

Food Provided: Fri. & Sat. Continental Breakfast and Lunch items can be picked up at The Gallery
Sunday meal vouchers will be provided for the food truck contracted to set up behind the Playhouse.

• Events:
  • Workshop by Joseph Basco (Wednesday and Thursday)
  • Free Day of Painting (Thursday)
  • Artists’ Reception (Friday Evening at The Gallery)
  Acoustic Blends (local musicians) perform free at the Playhouse Friday 6-9p
  • Quick Draw Competition (Sunday Morning at Hidden Valley)
  • Auction (Sunday Afternoon at The Gilmer Arts Playhouse)

Rules:
• Canvases must be stamped to be entered into the Auction.
• Works entered for the Auction must have been completed at the 2025 Plein Air, Art in     the Mountains.
• Artists will be allowed two entries into the Auction and an additional entry from the       Quick Draw Event.
• Art Works for the Auction should be chosen and delivered to the Playhouse by noon     on Sunday. Artworks can be chosen and delivered on Saturday 3-6pm.
• Art Works need to be framed or gallery wrapped and be wired with an apex 2” below     the top edge.
• Artworks will be checked in at The Gallery Friday and Saturday 7am-6pm.
• Sunday chosen artworks will be moved by the artist to The Playhouse for display for     the Auction by noon. This can be completed on Saturday 3-6pm.
• Proceeds for artworks sold will be split between the artist and Gilmer Arts 65/35%
respectively.

Quick Draw (Optional)
Judge: Michael Mills
Bio: American Oil Painter Outside of High School taking Art, Mechanical Drawing and Drafting, Mr. Mills is a self-taught artist. He has drawn, colored and painted his whole life. He won several awards in school and during his senior year he was the only student in Advanced Art.
Formerly a Sports Artist for CAMMEO Golf Art and Photography, he focused on Commission Oil Paintings and Prints. Michael was one of four artists allowed to paint and draw at the Masters Golf Tournament during the practice rounds with CAMMEO and had press passes for seven years.
Art Rebirth… In 2020 his focus switched to Seascapes and Landscapes painting En Plein Air and Studio Painting. He has sold art all over America and a couple of works in Europe. Michael has been featured in Southern Tides Magazine and an online European Magazine. The past five years have been incredible. He paints for the Love and Joy it brings him along with the lifelong gift of study, ars gratia artis (art for art’s sake). We’ve just learned that he has received an invitation to Olmstead Plein Air 2025.
Location: Hidden Valley
Judging Instructions: Be ready to paint at 9am. Judge Request: Do Not sign canvases until after the judging
Time: 9am Sunday, May 18, 2025
Canvas Stamp: Stamping will be done at the location 7-8:30am and will be a different color
Auction:
Location: George Link, Jr Gilmer Arts Playhouse 135 Dalton St. Park in Sand St Parking Lot.
Deadline for Entries: Noon on May 18, 2025
Framing: Art Works need to be framed, or gallery wrapped that are wired with an apex 2” below the top edge (Work tables will be set up at the gallery for your convenience)
Payment: Checks from sales at the Auction will be mailed by June 10th
Unsold Paintings: A Plein Air Exhibit will be displayed at The Gallery through June 24th for those with unsold paintings. Proceeds from art sold during this exhibition will earn artists a 65% commission.
Plein Air Workshop:
Quick Paint Tips and Techniques with Joseph Basco, Best in Show winner 2023
When: May 14th and 15th 10am – 4pm
Cost: $125
Where: Day 1 at the Gallery. Day 2 at Roo Vineyard
A 2-day workshop of Quick Paint Tips and Techniques to include Preparation, Planning, and Execution of a completed Plein Air Painting in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Joe will demonstrate his method and assist the class with their work. The class will include:
•Planning
•Composing using sketches and studies in pencil and ink
•The use of a phone camera as a tool
•Mixing oil paint to help in fast painting
•Tips on preparing for competition
A handbook will be issued at check in for the class.
•Event Directors reserve the right to reject works that do not meet the criteria established in the rules.
•This project is made possible in part by a grant from Gilmer County transient lodging taxes and the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay.
•Photographers will be allowed at hosted sites with filed application. Their art can be entered in the next scheduled Photography Exhibit with waiver of additional application fees.
•Liability: All reasonable care will be exercised in the handling and exhibiting of works. All movement between buildings will be handled by the artist

AWARDS:
•First Place Cash Award of $500. Will be presented to the winner of the timed challenge at the beginning of that portion of the Auction
•A “BEST IN SHOW” Cash Award of $500. Will be presented to the winner at the beginning of the Auction in addition to an ad in Plein Air Magazine, and their artwork will be used for 2026 ads and periodicals with acknowledgement
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Entry Deadline: May 5th 2025
Registrations should include:
•Completed Application with site locations chosen
•Registration payment of $50. $40 for TAG members
•Credit Card payments may be made online at gilmerarts.com or by calling the office at706.635.5605
•A completed Plein Air, Art in the Mountains Artist Agreement
Your selection of your first and second choice for morning and afternoon for hosted locations.
Hosted locations are sites at which a volunteer supplies artists with refreshment station.
Hosted locations offer restroom facilities, open at 8am and have covered shelter in case of rain.
You may choose the same location for morning and afternoon.
Indicate if you are painting or carpooling with other artists.
Assignments will be on first come first serve basis. (based on when application is entered)
Artists Housing:
We have a limited number of local hosting options for artists who would like to stay in Ellijay during the 4 days of Plein Air, Art in the Mountains. A few of our members have made available accommodations at their homes in and around Ellijay. The area has a large number of Air B&B cabins and cabin rental companies available. A list of area hotels can also be provided upon request.
Free Day:
Free Time painting locations suggestions: Downtown Ellijay, Veteran’s Park, Harrison Park, City Cemetery, Amicalola Falls, Casito Del Zorro, Blair Sanctuary, Roo Mountain Vineyard, R & A Orchards