Writer Amanda Christmann
Photography Courtesy of Casey Cheuvront
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here are few places more inspirational for dreamers, poets and artists like the stunning red vistas and sprawling cliffs of Sedona.
In November, the provocative scenes of Schnebly Hill, Red Rock Crossing and more will be the subjects of plein air painters, who will put their brushes to canvas to the muse of some of the most beautiful nature in our country. Local oil painters are invited to join the fun!
For the first time in its 15-year history, Oil Painters of America will host its Great Annual Paint-Out among the red rocks, inviting oil painters to spend time in the Arizona outdoors to see what they are moved to create. An art sale and reception at Sedona Arts Center will follow, and prizes will be awarded.
Local artist Casey Cheuvront, whose enthusiasm for life is nearly as tangible as the vivid colors and contrast of her paintings, is hosting the main event Nov. 16. Dozens of artists are expected to attend, and it will, no doubt, be a highlight of the year for oil painters from all over.
The annual event is hosted by volunteers from the United States, Canada and Mexico each fall. Despite our state’s phenomenal beauty, it has been left out of the schedule in past years for lack of hosts—until Cheuvront changed that.
“Sedona Arts Center recently awarded me a scholarship to one of their fabulous workshops,” she said. “I thought, ‘Hey, it would be great to go paint in Sedona with some new people! I could host that thing for OPA! Maybe the Sedona Arts Center would want to tell their members about it!’”
One thing led to another, and the event began to come together. Sedona Arts Center offered to host the reception and sale, and Cheuvront’s wide circle of friends and acquaintances began to contribute prizes.
“I thought I’d give the winner a nice bottle of wine,” she said. “Then a friend offered to donate a ‘plein air painter’s pamper pack’ by Arbonne. She got me thinking, so I started asking for support for the painters.
“So far, I have gift certificates from Eric Silver at Blue Ridge Oil paints for $300, a commitment from Blicks for $275 worth of gift certificates, Source Tek is sending painting panels, and I am just waiting to have a minute to connect with Jerry’s Artarama, another Art Supply store. Even my wine club might help out.”
Painters are encouraged to attend, both for the opportunity to create something new, and to connect with others who are moved to express themselves through oils.
“People love painting, and painters, and the idea of painting out in Sedona—well, it’s magical,” she added.
15th Annual Great Paint-Out
Sedona | Nov. 16 | Visit Facebook and search “OPA 15th Annual Great Paint Out: Sedona, AZ” to register | 480-274-8166 | caseycheuvront.com
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