Kick-Off Luncheon & Quick Paint, June 19, 2008

Cedarburg’s 2008 Plein Air Painting Competition-Youth Division
June 19-29, 2008

THE ONLY COMPETITION OF ITS KIND IN THE NATION*
*far as we can tell

On Thursday, June 19, Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., in conjunction with Cedarburg’s Strawberry Festival, June 28 & 29 will host the very first Plein Air Youth Artists Luncheon and Quick Paint Competition from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on the lawn in front of Cedarburg’s City Hall, W63 N645 Washington Avenue, to honor dozens of free-spirited young painters. Spectators are encouraged to attend.

This kick-off event is also an invitation to area media organizations to meet and mingle with these creative and earnest young artists at work. It’s a perfect opportunity to capture a colorful, feel-good story featuring enthusiastic kids in a wholesome, picturesque outdoor setting, en plein air (French for “in open air”).

More than 200 young painters competed in last year’s Plein Air Competition, the only youth competition of its kind in the nation. The Youth division encourages all young artists, under age 17 to participate. For the first time, the competition will include a partnership with VSA-Wisconsin and other organizations to feature a new category for Students with Disabilities. The Youth Plein Air Competition runs 10 am, Thursday, June 19 - 5 pm, Thursday, June 26.

At this kick-off luncheon, registered youth artists will receive a free lunch, an art supply tote bag and a chance to win additional prizes in the first ever Quick Paint Competition for kids. Artwork must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. and will be judged and on display at the Cedarburg Cultural Center on Friday, June 20 from noon-5:00 p.m. The Quick Paint contest will have its own prizes.

Cedarburg’s inviting National Historic District and creek side walkways will be the backdrop for hundreds of artists; children and adults, from all over the United States. During the regular competition young artists can choose their favorite outdoor locations using paints, pencils, crayons or pastels on canvas or paper. Finished pieces will be installed and exhibited beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 28 through 3:00 pm Sunday, June 29 during Strawberry Festival.

Budding young artists have ranged from 2-17 years of age with awards and cash prizes totaling over $400 for winning entries in four different age divisions. Sponsors for the Youth Plein Air Competition are Cedarburg Cultural Center, Ozaukee Bank, Bella Lei Day Spa & Salon, B. J. Beck’s Toys and Artist World-Cedarburg.

For registration entries and information, contact: The Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012, www.CedarburgCulturalCenter.org or call 262-375-3676 or For information about Strawberry Festival, contact the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce at 262-377-9620.