2020 Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open
May 14, 2020 to May 16, 2020
Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat, Fort Mitchell, AL
Application Dates
Jan 15 to Mar 1 '20
Application Fee
$35.00
(see prospectus for details)
Notification Date
Mar 9, 2020
Apply Now!

Prospectus


2020 Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open
May 14-16, 2020

Application Dates: January 17, 2020 - March 1, 2020  ♦  Application Fee: $35.00  ♦  Notification  ♦  Date: March 20, 2020


Please join us for the 2020 Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open May 14-16, 2020 at the Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat (BTSR) Center in Holy Trinity, Alabama.  The Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity (MSBT) and the Fort Mitchell Historic Site will be your hosts for this event. 

 





Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat Center offers a variety of unique experiences in Southern Alabama for groups and individuals of all faiths. The peace and natural beauty beckons you from the cares of daily life to a place of quiet reflection. Nestled in 1,200 acres of beautiful woodlands, walking trails, bird watching, and nature exploration are available year round.


 


There are many who just haven’t heard about the retreat center, or who haven’t considered the opportunities available here in addition to the traditional retreats. Our sanctuary provides a setting for personal enrichment, whether you are an artist, nature lover, or history enthusiast. Our landscape includes wilderness river frontage along the Chattahoochee, the estuaries of Snake Creek, and miles of walking trails and serene viewpoints.


The 2020 Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open aims to achieve several goals. First, to bring the public and raise awareness about BTSR, the MSBT community, and the rich history of Holy Trinity, Alabama and the Fort Mitchell Historic Site. Second, this event is one of a series of annual fundraisers aimed at supporting BTSR. We are striving to reach out to as many people and groups as we can, including new generations of retreat goers, youth and young adults, and art and outdoor lovers. Our retreat center is open to all faiths and denominations, groups and individuals. Finally, because of its natural beauty and rich history, BTSR sees the center and the surrounding communities as an inspiring destination for artists. 

The event begins with an artist’s reception Thursday night, May 14 (optional), and concludes with the art sale/exhibition and reception Saturday evening, May 16. The May 16 reception includes the 7:00 pm presentation of the Jurors Award (1, 2, 3 place) and People’s Choice Award (1, 2, 3 place). Registration is Friday and Saturday (May 15/16) morning at 7:30 am at the BTSR main building lobby. Registered artists may participate on either or both of the days. We will authorize early starts on May 14, though this option is available only to those who register in advance.  Canvas stamping will occur during morning registration.
 



Selected artists will receive a packet with a map and references for painting spots throughout Russell County, Alabama. It is a collection of historic churches, rustic buildings, neighborhoods, and area landmarks that represent the history and culture of the area.ncluded in this packet is a map and reference guide for painting spots throughout Russell County, Alabama. It is a collection of historic churches, rustic buildings, neighborhoods, and area landmarks that represent the history and culture of the area. Photos of these painting spots are available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_LGT2kIH0Fl4o8xkNoBOrDLonZhcMW-D


Thursday, May 14, 6:00-8:00 pm:
Artist’s Reception and BTSR Orientation.
Please stop by the Artist’s Reception at the Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat Center located at 107 Holy Trinity Rd, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856 and get to know many of the artists who will be painting in the Holy Trinity area during the next two days.  Event organizers will provide a presentation during the reception showcasing the center’s natural scenery and landmarks, as well as recommended paint out locations in the surrounding area of Fort Mitchell and Russell County.


Friday, May 15, 6:00-8:00 pm:
Fort Mitchell Sneak Preview Reception. 
Artists and the public are invited to attend a sneak preview reception of works completed thus far, while enjoying light refreshments.  The Fort Mitchell Historic Site will host this event, at the Fort Mitchell Visitor Center, 561 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856.


Saturday, May 16, 5:00-8:00 pm:
Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open Reception and Exhibition.
Collectors and the public are invited to attend this impressive display of Plein Air paintings to both view and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of BTSR and Russell County, Alabama. At 7:00 pm, presentation of the Juror and People’s Choice Awards (First, Second, Third in both categories).  Located at the BTSR main facility, 107 Holy Trinity Road.  Sold paintings must remain until the end of the show.


Eligibility:

  • Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.  All entrants will be juried, and the total number of participants will be limited to 35.


Submission Requirements:

  • Please fill out the online application  by clicking the “apply now” button for the Blessed Trinity Plein Air Open. The application/entry fee is $35.00.
     
  • Artwork submitted for artist selection into the festival must have been executed in the plein air method and not in the studio.
     
  • Paintings submitted must have been created in the last five years.
     
  • Artists must make available a brief biography and artist’s statement.
     
  • Entering this competition constitutes agreement that images may be used for web and print promotional purposes.
     
  • Notification of acceptance/decline will be made by email; therefore applicants must have a valid, working email address.


Important Dates:

  • March 1: Online application deadline
     
  • March 20: Notification of artists selected to compete by BTSR via email
     
  • April 1: Names of selected artists posted at msbt.org/btsr/pleinair (event page)
     
  • May 14: Orientation, canvas stamping and welcome reception
     
  • May 15-1: Artists paint in at BTSR, Ft Mitchell, and Russell Co.
     
  • May 16: Artist reception, exhibition/sale and award ceremony, all open to the public


Competition and Sales

  • Artwork created during the festival must remain on display and for sale for the duration of the May 16 reception.
     
  • ll work must be original and painted en plein air during the Plein Air Open.  Acceptable media are oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastels.
     
  • Paintings may not exceed 24 inches in any dimension, excluding frame.  All exhibited artworks must be stamped, framed and wired, and available for sale.
     
  • Artists must submit two (2) finished pieces for prize judging.  Artists may submit additional pieces for exhibit and sale.
     
  • All paintings must be for sale. BTSR will retain a commission of 40% of gross sales. (BTSR will apply these funds directly to projects that maintain and enhance the retreat center property and overall experience.)
     
  • BTSR will process all sales and transactions on site at the Saturday evening reception.  Payments to artists for sold work will be mailed no later than 30 days after the event.


Pricing of works. 
We expect most of the completed works to be smaller works.  Price points varying between $250-400 are acceptable, and we will be prepared to make reasonable exceptions to pricing below or beyond that range.
 


If you have any questions, please email me at
btsr.director@msbt.org
or text me at (334) 947-9557. 
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you in May 2020!

 

Apply Now!