Spectators watch Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational artists at work near Lahaina Harbor during the 2014 event. PHOTO BY JEN TAYLOR.

WEST MAUI – On Feb. 14-22, 2015, the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational will celebrate its tenth anniversary. This event, unique to Maui, brings together 25 of the finest plein air (outdoor) painters from Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland to compete, reconnect and create original works of art. The public can experience the island captured on canvas as participating artists paint on location with works honoring Maui and its culture. All events will be held in Lahaina or Kapalua.

“It’s hard to believe the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational is in its tenth year. Having been involved from the beginning, it has been wonderful to see how the event has evolved from an informal idea to Maui’s destination art event that people plan for every year,” said Lois Reiswig, president of the West Maui Cultural Council.

“The success of this annual event is directly attributed to the caliber of artists,” said Lynn Shue, owner of The Village Galleries.

“Their paintings pay witness to Maui’s history, capturing the beauty and lifestyle that makes our island home unique. Not only are these artists exceptionally talented individuals, but they also have a genuine aloha for our island.”

Local artists participating in this year’s event are George Allan, Carleton, Betty Hay Freeland, Ronaldo Macedo and Macario Pascual from Maui. Michael Clements and Mike Carroll of Lanai, Pierre Bouret and Jenifer Prince of Kauai, and Mark Brown of Honolulu are also participating.

Prominent artists coming from the U.S. Mainland include Ken Auster, Jacobus Baas, Joshua Been, Hiu Lai Chong, Debra Huse, Greg LaRock, Jim McVickder, Billyo O’Donnell, Mary Pettis, Lori Putnam, Dave Santillanes, David Savellano, Randall Sexton, Brian Stewart and Keith Wicks.

“Many of these artists are returning favorites of collectors from across the world,” said Event Coordinator Una Somerville. “However, each year there are new accomplished plein air artists invited to participate, and it is always fun to see their take on Maui’s extraordinary beaches, landscapes and historical sites.”

Free and open to the public, a full schedule of events is planned. On Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, the invitational officially begins with a Kick Off Paint Out at the Lahaina Jodo Mission and vicinity. Freshly painted works (25 paintings) will be displayed for sale from 11 a.m. to noon at Lahaina Jodo Mission.

On Monday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Jean Stern, executive director of The Irvine Museum in California, will once again conduct his popular, free lecture at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina from 7 to 8 p.m. In conjunction with the lecture, an Artist’s Mini-Paintings Silent Auction (25 paintings) will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., with final bidding following the lecture from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m., artists will gather at Montage Kapalua Bay from the famous Kapalua and Namalu bays to find inspiration from the sunset, beach scenes and island views of Lanai and Molokai.

On Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m., the Pioneer Inn Lahaina Harbor Quick Draw will attract hundreds of onlookers. Each artist will have just two hours to complete a painting. The public will have an opportunity to watch a painting being created from start to finish.

The week’s fresh works (100 paintings) will be unveiled on Friday evening, Feb. 20, at The Village Gallery at 120 Dickenson St. in Lahaina.

On Friday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., the general public is invited to the Gala Reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Three paintings from each artist, plus the Quick Draw paintings, will be unveiled and awards will be presented.

On Saturday, Feb. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., Coffee and Pastries with the Artists is an opportunity to visit with the artists. The artists will replace paintings sold on Friday night, and the public will have a final opportunity to purchase works from the event at The Village Gallery in Lahaina.

Sunday, Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. is the Plein Air Finale – the public’s last chance to view and purchase paintings.

In addition to these free events, there are several events with limited space that are available with the purchase of tickets.

On Friday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 6 p.m., a Collectors’ Hour will be held at The Village Galleries. At this ticketed event, collectors will have priority viewing and first opportunity to purchase the week’s best paintings. During this exclusive hour, champagne and pupus will be served. Tickets are limited and available at www.MauiPleinAirPainting.org.

The Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational will also host three workshops with participating artists. A three-day pre-event workshop with Brian Stewart will be held on Feb. 10-12, and post-event workshops (three-day and two-day) with Dave Santillanes will be held on Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 26-27.

For more information, visit www.MauiPleinAirPainting.org or call (808) 214-5294.