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07/22/2007: "SJ Islands "Paint-Out" Supports Land Conservation"

The San Juan Preservation Trust, the Plein Air Washington Association (PAWa), and Insights Gallery of Anacortes today announced this summer’s “Art of the Islands” paint-out, a gathering of artists from around the state that will benefit land conservation in the San Juan Islands.

From July 13-27, artists from PAWa, the state’s largest outdoor painting group, will converge on the San Juan Islands to interpret the archipelago’s rugged shorelines and diverse landscapes on canvas and paper. In addition to setting up easels near roadways and other public open spaces, artists will be granted access to several private nature preserves protected by the San Juan Preservation Trust, Washington’s oldest land trust. The end result will be a multi-faceted portrait of these spectacularly beautiful islands.




Gala Art Show and Reception at Insights Gallery in Anacortes July 28th

Paintings for Sale at Gala Event The paint-out culminates on July 28 when artwork will be juried by Al Currier – accomplished local artist and gallery owner – and then sold during a gala event at Insights Gallery in downtown Anacortes. A portion of the evening’s ticket proceeds and artwork sales will help fund the San Juan Preservation Trust’s ongoing land conservation work.

“This paint-out celebrates the natural alliance of islands and art,” said Tim Seifert, executive director of the San Juan Preservation Trust. “The spectacular vistas and landscapes that the San Juan Preservation Trust works so hard to preserve have attracted countless generations of artists. We look forward to hosting this distinguished group of painters in our unique corner of the country.”

“Plein Air Washington will have access to some of the most beautiful lands in the world, and the public will have access to some of the best painters in the Northwest," said Sylvia Carlton, PAWa’s president. “Spectators are encouraged to watch us paint, and local artists are encouraged to paint with us. But the highlight of the event will definitely be when all the pieces come together at Insights Gallery in Anacortes.”


“This is a great opportunity for people to acquire high-quality art from distinguished local and regional artists,” added Al Currier, co-owner of Insights Gallery. “We all draw inspiration from the San Juan Islands, so we are honored to contribute to their conservation.”

At a glance:

The Event: The San Juan Preservation Trust presents Plein Air Washington's 'Art of
the Islands’
Where: Insights Gallery, 516 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, Washington
When: Opening gala on Saturday, July 28, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. The show
continues through August 11, which coincides with the Anacortes
Arts Festival weekend.
Tickets: Tickets for the “Art of the Islands” gala event are $50 for patrons, guests, and spouses. Call the Preservation Trust at 360.468.3202 to order tickets.

About the San Juan Preservation Trust
The San Juan Preservation Trust is the oldest land trust in the state. Noted for its recent $18.5 million acquisition of Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island, the Preservation Trust has permanently protected more than 220 properties, 24 miles of shoreline, and 12,000 acres on 17 islands, including land now managed as public parks, private nature preserves, and working farms and forests. www.sjpt.org.

About the Plein Air Association of Washington
Plein Air Washington is a group of artists dedicated to the fine art of painting on location in natural light. www.pleinairwashington.com

About Insights Gallery
Insights Gallery’s mission is to combine great art with great service. The gallery brings together innovative, exciting artists with discerning lovers of art. It is located in picturesque downtown Anacortes, Washington,which is situated between the Skagit Valley and the San Juan Islands. www.insightsgallery.com