Festival Overview

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Back to My Secret Pond, Laura Soulliere Gates, oil on canvas

WHAT IS PLEIN AIR?

En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their works.

The high point of plein air art came with the emergence of Impressionism in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Artists of that period who painted outdoor landscapes included Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Interest in outdoor painting has remained constant since the twentieth century. Today’s artists carry on the traditions of these past masters by capturing light and movement in landscapes that can only come from seeing the subject outdoors in its natural form.

The last twenty years have seen a resurgence of interest in plein air painting in the United States. During this time, groups of plein air painters began gathering together to paint at single locations or within certain geographic boundaries. These “Paint Outs” are now very popular and give artists a chance to share their talents and creativity with the public and with one another.

Festival Host - The Alexandria Museum of Art

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Alexandria Museum of Art is the premier arts center of Central Louisiana, providing quality programming, exhibitions, and events, as well as outreach programs, taking a collaborative approach to meet the educational and cultural needs of our community.

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For over four decades, the Alexandria Museum of Art (AMoA) has promoted understanding and appreciation of art through exhibitions and educational outreach programs. The Mission of the museum is to foster a culturally rich community by engaging, enlightening and inspiring individuals through innovative art experiences.

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Central Louisiana's only accredited Contemporary Art Museum

The Alexandria Museum of Art entices visitors of diverse tastes with rotating exhibitions of art from our permanent collection, traveling exhibitions from around the world, and exceptional contemporary artists. Educational and community programs are implemented to compliment exhibitions. In an effort to become self-sufficient and sustainable, the Alexandria Museum of Art endeavors to establish programming that is collaborative in nature, beneficial to the community, and advances our mission.

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AMoA After Hours

AMoA hosts multidisciplinary community events throughout the year, including, lectures, free healthy living programs (Yoga, Qi Gong, Learning Sessions), AfterHours concerts and community workshops, films screenings, and fundraisers. These events support all art forms – film, literature, poetry, songwriting, and visual arts.

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The Alexandria Museum of Art serves as a downtown campus for LSUA classes. As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.

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AMoA Annual Events & Competitions

The community-centered approach to fundraising and events adopted by the Museum proceeds from its mission; the Alexandria Museum of Art desires to be the model of a learning and enrichment facility that reflects and exhibits the essence of the community and region that created it.

 

 

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The September Competition

The Alexandria Museum of Art serves as a downtown campus for LSUA classes. As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.

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Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival

The Alexandria Museum of Art serves as a downtown campus for LSUA classes. As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.

Visit Website

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Louisiana Dragonboat Races

The Alexandria Museum of Art serves as a downtown campus for LSUA classes. As the only state-supported undergraduate university in Louisiana, LSUA’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of affordable undergraduate degrees in a robust academic environment that challenges students to excel and creates proactive and reciprocal relationships that meet the needs of the diverse student body and community that it serves.

Visit Website

Ways to Support AMoA

VOLUNTEER

We are always looking for volunteers!

Whether you are a high school or college student, a retired senior or a working adult with the desire to give back to your community, we have opportunities for you! Volunteer positions vary depending on events, exhibitions and programming.

DONATE

AMoA needs your financial support! Your contribution will help the Alexandria Museum of Art to continue its quality programming that creates memorable moments for audiences of all ages.

There are many ways you can donate, click here!

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