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HOLMBERG: Artists from across the country compete to capture the soul of Richmond

Posted at 11:47 PM, Jun 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-15 00:32:41-04

RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - Forty-five artists from across the country.

All painting Richmond from five specific locations – and many others of their choosing –  to capture the heart and soul of the city for five straight days.

It’s the second time the traveling Plein Air competition has come to Richmond. Plein Air is French for in the open air. It’s an open-air painting competition that visits cities throughout the country, but Richmond is fast becoming a favorite because, as one artist said, it’s an Plein Air artists dream come true.

Friday night was the showcase gala and judging at the Brazier Gallery on Main Street. $5,000 for first place. $2,500 for second and $1,500 for third.

Most people who love Richmond can see how well the artists – many of them total strangers to the city – captured the complex soul of this grand old city, it’s beauty, it’s depth, it’s place in history, it’s grit.

Which is  why the paintings, many of them $1,000 and up, sold briskly in a crowded gallery event that benefits the Richmond Symphony.

The event continues Saturday. Read about it here: http://www.pleinairrichmond.com/Gala_Preview_Party.html

But please watch the video and judge for yourself.