Zion Forever Project and Zion National Park Announce the 9th Plein Air Art Invitational Program – November 6-12, 2017

Zion's Plein Air, ranked as one of the ten best plein air sites in the country by PleinAir Magazine, is pleased to release this year's full program of events - featuring twenty-four invited artists working in oil, pastel, watercolor and acrylic - celebrating the heritage of art in Zion National Park.

The week-long celebration features free in-park art demonstrations by each artist at the Human History Museum patio, and the Grotto, via the park shuttle. Free evening lectures are presented at the Zion Lodge Auditorium and the Canyon Community Center in Springdale. A live Paint Out and sale on the great lawn at Zion Lodge follows Saturday, with art exhibits and silent auction also part of the week's proceedings.

"This is our signature event for the park," said Mark Preiss, director, Forever Project. "It is a rare experience, under the turning leaves of fall, that connects visitors to Zion through the art of 24 of the best plein air painters working today."

The artists were selected through an application and review process conducted by a selection committee representing local art galleries, art historians, park staff and art patrons. The work represented by the invited artists is diverse in tone, technique and medium - with art available for all levels of buyers and collectors.

"We are grateful to have such talented artists with us for our 9th Plein Air event," said Lyman Hafen, Executive Director, Zion Natl Park Forever Project. "They follow in the footsteps of Zion's first painters, Thomas Moran, Frederick S. Dellenbaugh, inspiring us with their talent and perspective, fostering the heritage of art in Zion for generations to come."

Proceeds from the sale of the studio pieces and the art produced during the week, benefit the park's education and youth projects. A full schedule of events and the artist bios are now available at zionpark.org .

The Zion Forever Project is the park's official nonprofit partner, providing educational and philanthropic support to the park through its park stores, field programs and fundraising efforts. Find your project in the 2018 Field Guide, and join the Zion Circle today at zionpark.org.