Artists are heading to the small Pike County city of Louisiana, Mo., to paint the town.

On Sept. 13, Louisiana will host its third plein air event. “En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air,” and generally describes the act of painting outdoors. Organizers are expecting more than 25 artists from three states.

“They set up their easels and they paint the town — literally,” said Dennis Babbitt, co-chairman of the plein air committee. “They’ll paint pictures during the day, and then in the evening we have a reception and showing for the public.”

Artists can set up their easels anywhere in the city limits, which includes idyllic views of the Mississippi River. They must turn in their work by 3 p.m. for the exhibition.

Spectators are invited to roam the town, take in the sites and painters’ in-progress works, and attend the reception. Bo Kim is the plein air judge. Artists can sell their work at the exhibition. The Louisiana Garden Club also is sponsoring historic house tours on Sept. 13 and 14.

Related Events

Golden Hills of Louisiana, Mo., Plein Air
When: Sept. 13, 2014
Where: Louisiana, Mo. The daylong event ends with an exhibition from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Temple on Georgia and Seventh streets
Cost: Free
More information

Louisiana Garden Club Home Tours
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014; 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014
Where: Louisiana, Mo.
Cost: $15; tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce and the plein air booth
More information

“Cityscape” is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis.

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