2011 Inaugural Plein Air Art Exhibit Featuring Boulder County Parks and Open Space

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

2011 Inaugural Plein Air Art Exhibit Featuring Boulder County Parks and Open Space Boulder County, CO Population: 280,440 Boulder County, CO established a program displaying the open space of the county with an art exhibit. This program formed out of the need to expand partnership with all segments of the population, advance community ownership in the preservation and care of public lands and to involve residents in inspirational and educational experiences to strengthen the culture of conservation of the land. This was done by bridging the art society with other parts of the community in this exhibit. The Boulder County Parks and Open Space department gathered a group of local artist to assist with planning the event. The Old Firehouse Art Center was determined as a central location to host a “paint-out,” a two-week session of creating art portraying Boulder County Parks and Open Space agricultural, prairie, forested and aquatic open space areas and historical structures. The event attracted over 1,000 people, bringing in a net total of $645 in registration fees and sold over 20 paintings. An additional $1,800 was raised in fundraising. The funding received is being used to supplement existing park revenues. This event engaged members throughout the county with art and promoted appreciation/preservation in a cost-effective manner.