The Arts of Great Falls’ annual Plein Air Competition brought out 18 artists from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia to paint the scenery in Great Falls. Participants had Thursday through Saturday to create and submit up to 3 pieces painted in Plein Air (outdoors). The most popular locations were Great Falls Park, L’Auberge Chez Francois, Colvin Run Mill, Riverbend Park, Krops Crops, and Turner Farm Park. The community was able to join in the fun through a free painting demonstration Saturday afternoon with Competition Juror Jill Banks. A dozen interested people observed Jill Banks as she created a plein air painting from blank canvas in 3 short hours. The Plein Air Competition winners were announced by Banks at the awards reception Saturday evening including the People’s Choice Award for which everyone present voted. The Arts of Great Falls Executive Director Julie Casso said, “Thanks to the event sponsor Celebrate Great Falls Foundation and participants for a successful event. It was a pleasure to share the town we love for the competition.”

The Paint Great Falls submissions will be on display in the Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Road in Great Falls) now through Sept. 24. Open hours are Wednesday, noon-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All paintings are for sale. The Arts of Great Falls is the local charitable non-profit art foundation which provides an art school, working artists' studio space, and art events & activities for the community.

Award Winners

*First Place $500 Prize

"Colvin Run Mill" - Oil on Canvas

by Marjorie Sharer (Oakton)

*Second Place $250 Prize

"Serene Riverbank” - Pastels

by Lori Goll (Herndon)

*Third Place $100 Prize

"Old Forestville Schoolhouse” - Oil on Canvas

by Michael McSorley (Washington, D.C.)

*People’s Choice $150 Prize

“Great Falls Thunder” - Oil on Canvas

by Robert Gilbert (Great Falls)

*Honorable Mention

"Kayaks Get Set" - Oil on Canvas

by Lissa Abrams (Baltimore, Md.)