INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More than 40 artists, most of them local, participated in the inaugural Plein Air Artists’ Rendezvous at the Environmental Learning Center. On Saturday evening, a reception was held, attended by supporters of the Environmental Learning Center and the Cultural Council of Indian River County.
Plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air.” During the three-day event, visitors to the ELC could watch the artists as they created their paintings, photographs, sculptures, and even jewelry in the open air, inspired by the lush, natural surroundings.
Between Thursday and Saturday, artists had the run of the entire 64-acre campus, which overlooks the brackish Indian River Lagoon. The campus is a verdant, restful spot, where guests are welcome to amble along the many boardwalks, through the mangrove forests, in this ecological paradise, complete with hammocks and salt marshes.
Indigenous species, such as live oaks, cabbage and sabal palms, and wax myrtle, have replaced invasive trees. This natural habitat is home to all kind of birds, fish, crustaceans, and mammals.
“The artists have been out all over the campus, things are selling, and people are having a great time,” said ELC Executive Director Holly Dill, “We love it because we get to see our campus from so many different perspectives.”
On Saturday night, guests were able to meet the artists, who had been working diligently for the past three days. The variety of styles, perspectives and interpretations of the same scenes was truly inspirational. Art lovers were also able to purchase their favorite works.
Artists who participated in the Rendezvous generously contributed a portion of their sales to the Cultural Council of Indian River County and to the Environmental Learning Center.
Committee members included Adriana Bitter, Judy Burgarella, Victoria Clark-Jones, Jeanne Fore-Moran, Barbara Hoffman, Liz Mayo, Sharon Sandel, Lee G. Smith, Emily Tremml, and Camille Yates.
“Our committee was incredible,” exclaimed Adriana Bitter, an artist, as well as chairwoman the event. “Camille Yates, an ELC employee, was beyond belief. She did everything. The whole event was a beautiful communion of great minds.”
Favorite subjects among the artists included the mangroves, with the lagoon as a placid backdrop. The Wabasso Bridge, as seen from the ELC dock, was also a popular subject. Lee Smith’s painting of the drying boots belonging to the naturalists was a lovely tribute to those who make ELC visits an adventure for everyone.
“The ELC is so important for conservation, a preserve for land and animals,” said local artist Grayson Conroy, who painted four pictures over the three day event, including an ethereal rendition of the Laura Riding Jackson Home, located in the preserve.
“Next year will be even bigger and better,” predicted Bitter.