NOTE: Due to potential rain & thunder forecasted for Saturday morning, this event has been RESCHEDULED for SUNDAY, JUNE 25.

Valley artists are invited to participate in Kestrel Land Trust’s second Open Air Studio: A Paint Out atop the Mt. Holyoke Summit Sunday, June 25 from 8:30 am – 11 am.

Inspired by Thomas Cole’s 1836 painting of the same landscape view, painters are invited to capture the remarkable beauty of the Connecticut River, the Oxbow, and the Mount Holyoke Range. This event evokes the rich artistic and historical tradition of landscape painting in Western Massachusetts that contributed to the American conservation movement in the 19th century.

The morning will begin with an introduction by Kestrel Land Trust about the how the land conservation movement and plein air painting have influenced each other. Artists will then choose a location on the Summit, and begin at their own pace.

Plein air artist Lewis Bryden will lead a group of nature & art lovers on a hike, to arrive at the Summit while artists are working. Painters may choose to be “demo” artists for the hikers: Lewis will bring the hiking group to your site to talk about art techniques and related history. Demo artists are welcome to speak about their work at that time as well. One of the participating artists will be Christine Labich, ecologist and Pioneer Valley painter, who has been featured in Plein Air Magazine.

Artist Robert Masla, who will be starting a demo at the Summit that morning, will be continuing his  plein air demonstration from 2 – 5 pm, back at the R. Michelson Galleries. He will be using Cobra Solvent Free Oils on Fredrix all-media paint board. Artists and the public are invited to observe how artists combine plein air and studio work using these revolutionary new materials and techniques.  See more about this event here.

Rain Date: Sunday, June 25.

Limited to 25 artists. Please RSVP below.

Artists will have the option of being profiled on Kestrel Land Trust’s website before and after the Paint Out if they choose. There is no charge for artists to participate, other than the standard state park entry fee. Please bring your own materials and equipment for painting. All levels and media are welcome, but no formal training will be provided. Light refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to be a “demo artist,” or have other questions, please email Katy@kestreltrust.org