Hosts Lou and Nancy Salera with their 2016 artist guest, John P. Lasater IV (right), who won “Artists’ Choice,” “Collectors’ Choice” and One Main Plaza Sponsor awards last year. Lasater will return in 2017 as co-instructor of the post-event plein air workshop for Maui artists. PHOTO BY BRAD PAULSON.

LAHAINA – Maui Arts League President Lois Reiswig has openings for nine Maui families to host nationally acclaimed plein air artists coming to Maui for one week in February 2017.

Each year, generous Maui residents provide lodging for 26 famous artists and bring all the benefits of fine art into our community. For further information, call Reiswig at (808) 665-1491.

“Our artists are working every day from morning until late in the evening. Hosts provide a quiet sleeping room and bathroom, but are not required to offer any meals or transportation,” said Reiswig.

“The artists are very grateful for a place to stay. One host said, ‘It was a thrill to meet our artist, and what a nice gesture for her to give us a lasting work of art for our home.’ “

For Mainland artists, an invitation to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational is a treasured plum… but a huge travel expense. In addition to local artists and event Co-founder Ronaldo Macedo, the 2017 roster includes prize-winning artists back by popular demand, and other experienced plein air artists new to Maui, who will be capturing their impressions of paradise for the first time.

Visit www.mauipleinairpainting.org for more details on all participating artists.

Other plans are maturing for the 2017 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational from Friday, Feb. 17, to Sunday, Feb. 26. The public may observe 26 top artists at work, creating finished landscapes or portraits from blank paper or canvas in just four hours or less.

The weeklong event results in over 180 new artworks, which go on display for sale at seven different locations. Proceeds from all art sales benefit both the artist and the Maui Arts League mission, which includes this annual event, youth workshops and plans for the West Side Visual Arts Museum.

The Pioneer Inn will host a free public art lecture by famed Irvine Museum Curator Jean Stern and a silent auction. There will also be workshops for local artists.

The Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational concludes on the weekend with a by-ticket-only gala for collectors, complete with art sale, live auction and a sit-down dinner and entertainment in the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom.

Saturday is a public reception to say “aloha” to the artists and listen to the Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra perform. Sunday boasts an educational art program for which Maui students grades 2-12 may register, called “Youth Paint-Out.”

Visit www.MauiArtsLeague.org for more information about the 2017 Maui Plein Air Invitational and the mission of Maui Arts League.