During the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational from Feb. 16-24, the public will have three opportunities to closely observe 24 nationally acclaimed plein air (outdoor) artists finish oil paintings, pastels and watercolor Maui scenes in under four hours.

LAHAINA – Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino congratulated Maui Arts League on its signature event, the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, which is coming up Feb. 16-24 in West Maui.

The County of Maui awarded the nonprofit organization a generous grant to support its mission: 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 enjoying fine art.

Mayor Victorino said, “Now in its 14th year, the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational brings Maui families free demonstrations, exhibits and art education experiences. I applaud the Maui Arts League for organizing this annual celebration of creativity and beauty – a family-friendly experience that can change lives.

“The February event helps build appreciation for visual fine arts and creates unique opportunities for all residents to embrace and experience art up close. I’m especially excited for the opportunities provided to our talented keiki to see successful artists in action. The County of Maui is proud to support this event that helps build a stronger community.”

The Maui County grant supports the production of a 24-page event guide that will be delivered countywide to residents in The Maui News just before the event.

“We invite students from all Maui County schools to attend our workshops and all Maui residents to attend our public art events during Presidents’ Week,” said event Coordinator Katherine Kama’ema’e Smith.

“Look for the event booklet, designed by Maui graphic artist Wilson Angel and printed by Island Printing, tucked inside The Maui News during the second week of February. We are so grateful to the County of Maui for helping us invite the entire county to this fun, educational outdoor art event.”

The Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational runs nine days, from Saturday, Feb. 16, until Sunday, Feb. 24. The public will have three opportunities to closely observe 24 nationally acclaimed plein air (outdoor) artists finish oil paintings, pastels and watercolor Maui scenes in under four hours. Six public art sales offer everyone opportunities to meet artists and buy works they saw being painted.

The Pioneer Inn will host a public art history lecture by art historian Jean Stern, associate director of UC Irvine Museum and Institute for California Art. The finale weekend, Feb. 22-24, boasts a “quick draw” two-hour paint out and reception at the Royal Lahaina Resort and the “Art to Heart” ticketed awards banquet. A public exhibit and art sale of 175-plus fresh originals continue all weekend in the 4,000-square-foot Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom with educational forums and art demonstrations by visiting artists.

Maui Arts League will also present two ticketed workshops for professional and amateur artists – one taught by Josh Clare and the other by Susie Baker. For further information on all Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational public events and how to purchase gala tickets, visit www.CelebrateArtonMaui.org.