Invitational Judge Jean Stern evaluates paintings during the 2017 event.

KAANAPALI – Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational artists are exhibiting their freshly painted original scenes of Maui Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom.

The free exhibition and art sale are open to the public, and artists will be in attendance to answer questions. At 3 p.m. each day, a public forum will be held as an educational event for the community. Maui art expert Kim von Tempsky will moderate the panel discussions that feature professional artists and people whose professions connect to the art community. Students, new artists and art lovers are welcome.

Over 16 award-winning paintings, including “Best in Show,” will be on display all weekend. Artists have a surprise for Sunday: Grand Finale mini paintings of Maui scenes, on canvases eight inches by eight inches or smaller, for first-time collectors or to commemorate a special Maui memory.

Generous grants and donations, both financial and in-kind services and products support this community fine art event. Maui Arts League is a grateful nonprofit entity and the beneficiary of many hours of work by dedicated art-loving volunteers.

The mission of the organization is to showcase, cultivate and build appreciation for visual fine arts while creating unique opportunities for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to embrace the experience of art. Part of that mission is a vision to build a fine art museum on West Maui.

Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, founded by Ronaldo Macedo 13 years ago, is an educational event supported by Maui Arts League, Royal Lahaina Resort, Pioneer Inn, Montage Kapalua Bay and many other local businesses.

The event fosters appreciation for plein air (outdoor) painting for Maui residents and visitors while supporting art activities within the West Maui community,

For more information about the weekend art events and public forums at the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom, visit www.mauipleinairpainting.org or call Katherine Smith at (808) 268-0787.