The Saint Charles Arts Council announced plans to hold its second Plein Air Event from August 18 to August 24, 2025 in St. Charles.

As part of the program, artists from across the country compete for awards as they craft outdoor local scenes. The 2024 event included live demonstrations, various competitions, creative writing sessions and other activities.

This will be a juried event, with the judge selection to be announced later. A total of $5,250.00 in prizes will be awarded. Artists will be allowed to submit three paintings.

Building on the success of last year’s attendance, the committee is now allowing up to 55 artists to participate this year. Applicants are asked to apply via the www.stcharlesartscouncil.org website.

Artist events include: Main Event - Weeklong Plein Air Paint Competition; Quick Paint, limited timeframe competition; Nocturne competition; Monday Night attendance at Welcome Party; Grand Reveal Party, and Public Sale of Paintings.

Activities will also be held throughout the week, including the following:

• A Plein Air demonstration

• A “Quick Paint” competition

• Mindful Creativity for area children

• Writers Event

More activities will be announced later. Awards will be given out in a variety of categories, including:

• Best in Show - $1,000.00

• 2nd Place - $750.00

• 3rd. Place $500.00

• Nocturne 1st. Place - $600.00

• Nocturne 2nd. Place - $400.00

• People’s Choice - $250.00

• Best Emerging Artist - $500.00

• Quick Paint 1st. Place - $600.00

• Quick Paint - 2nd. Place - $400.00

Registration is open to all artists with an entry fee of $65.00.

Any questions should be directed to Jeanne Dyer, St. Charles Plein Air 2025 Marketing Coordinator, at [email protected].

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