Jean Stern, executive director of The Irvine Museum, judges the 2014 invitational’s paintings. PHOTO BY JEN TAYLOR, 7/10 MEDIA.

LAHAINA – On Feb. 14-22, 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.”

Artists participating in this year’s event include George Allan, Carleton, Betty Hay Freeland, Ronaldo Macedo and Macario Pascual from Maui. Other Hawaii artists include Michael Clements, Mike Carroll, Pierre Bouret, Jenifer Prince and Mark Brown.

Prominent artists hailing from the U.S. Mainland are Ken Auster and Jacobus Baas of Laguna Beach, CA; Joshua Been of Colorado; Hiu Lai Chong of Rockville, MD; Debra Huse and Greg LaRock of Newport Beach, CA; Jim McVicker of Loleta, CA; Billyo O’Donnell of Eureka, MO; Mary Pettis of Taylors Falls, MN; Lori Putnam of Franklin, TN; Dave Santillanes of Fort Collins, CO; David Savellano of Alameda, CA; Randall Sexton of Vallejo, CA; Brian Stewart of St. Paul, MN; and Keith Wicks of Sonoma, CA.

“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.”

The public is welcome to attend the full schedule of events from Feb. 14-22.

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. The artists’ freshly painted works (25 paintings) will be displayed for sale from 11 a.m. until 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 conduct a free lecture, “The Art of Looking at Art,” at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina. 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 panoramic island views of Lanai and Molokai. The general public is invited to the Cane & Canoe bar after sunset to mingle with artists and event organizers (no host bar). If planning on dining at Cane & Canoe, make reservations soon.

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 5 to 6 p.m., back by popular demand, the Whole Foods Market Collectors’ Hour gives art collectors wishing to buy paintings priority viewing prior to the Gala Reception. The ticket price of $100 per person can be applied toward purchase of paintings. Purchase your tickets by visiting the www.MauiPleinAirPaintingInvitational.org website. During this exclusive hour, champagne and passed appetizers will be served. Space is limited.

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. Light refreshments will be served.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, 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. Music and refreshments will be offered.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Plein Air Finale is the public’s last chance to view and purchase paintings.

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

The 2015 event is coordinated by Islanders-Hawaii Plein Air Painters, The Village Galleries and West Maui Cultural Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of the art sales will go toward art scholarships and art programs on Maui.