Masters of Light: Plein Air 25
2nd Juried Exhibition
Masters of Light: Plein Air 25, 2nd Juried Exhibition
The 3 Square Art Gallery is thrilled to announce Masters of Light: Plein Air 25, a prestigious juried exhibition dedicated to the art of plein air painting. Taking place from September 5 to October 17 in scenic Fort Collins, Colorado, this exhibit celebrates light, nature, and artistic excellence.
This exhibition gathers the finest works created in the open air from leading plein air artists from across the United States showcasing artists' ability to capture the fleeting beauty and dynamic light of the natural world. Each piece is at least 60% completed outdoors, ensuring an authentic plein air experience.
Plein air painting, a French term meaning "in the open air," is the practice of painting landscapes outdoors. Popularized by the Impressionists in the 19th century, this technique allows artists to capture the ever-changing effects of light and atmosphere. By painting en plein air, artists can immerse themselves in nature, interpreting subtle nuances of color, shadow, and texture in real-time.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Fort Collins, the 3 Square Art Gallery provides the perfect venue to appreciate and celebrate the artistry of plein air painting. The opening reception will be a wonderful opportunity to meet with the artists and this exhibit is not to be missed.
Juried by 3 Square Art Co-Owner, Craig Andrew McKee
BA Studio Arts, magna cum laude, Kenyon College, OH
Plein Air, Landscape, Figurative Artist & Instructor
Artwork by (top to bottom, left to right): Kath Reilly “Evening Colors”, David LaPlombara “Beech Mountain Same Day No. 1”, Marie Massey “Evening At Sprague Lake”, Laura Young “Morning Shadows”, Jeanne Mackenzie “Meadows Muse”, Karen Vanderwall “September Sisters”, Mark Cleveland “Lakeside Afternoon”, Lisa Fairbank “Have A Seat”, Sue Fody “Morning in the Park”, Gunnar Olson “ Retreating Light”, Andrea Gabel “Glisten And Glitter”, Katherine Krzysztof “Steamboat Rock”, Sherena Garza “Good Dogs At Guanella Pass”, Monica Esposito “Distant Towers, The Swell”, Scott Ruthven “Barefoot On The Beach”
DETAILS
Exhibit Date: Friday, September 5 – October 17, 2025
Opening Night Reception: Friday, September 5, 2025 from 6-8pm
***First Friday Gallery Walk: October 5, 2025 (Gallery opened until 8pm)
Gallery Hours
Thursday - Sunday: 1-5pm
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday: Closed
JUROR
Juried by 3 Square Art Co-Owner, Craig Andrew McKee
BA Studio Arts, magna cum laude, Kenyon College, OH
Plein Air, Landscape, Figurative Artist & Instructor
Craig Andrew McKee
AWARDS & HONORABLE MENTIONS
Gold Award: Gunnar Olson - “A Different Perspective”
Silver Award: Scott Ruthven - “Barefoot On The Beach”
Bronze Award: Andrea Gabel - “Shimmer”
Honorable Mention: David LaPalombara - “Tamarindo”
Honorable Mention: Jeanne Mackenzie - “Rain Forest Shade”
Honorable Mention: Karen Vanderwall - “September Sisters”
Honorable Mention: Kathleen Reilly - “Spring Walk”
Honorable Mention: Sherena Garza - “Evening On The Yampa”
GOLD AWARD
Gunnar Olson
“A Different Perspective”
Oil, 8” X 10”
2025
SILVER AWARD
Scott Ruthven
“Barefoot On The Beach”
Oil, 8” X 10”
2025
BRONZE AWARD
Andrea Gabel
“Shimmer”
Oil, 16” X 20”
2024
HONORABLE MENTIONS
FINALISTS
SELECTED ARTISTS
Alison Dickson, Fort Collins, CO
Andrea Gabel, Fort Collins, CO
David LaPalombara, Athens, OH
Diane Edwards, Fort Collins, COB
Gloria Campbell, Fort Collins, CO
Gunnar Olson, Fort Collins, CO
Jeanne Mackenzie, Laporte, CO
Karen Vanderwall, Fort Collins, CO
Katherine Krzystyniak, Fort Collins, CO
Kathleen Reilly, Longmont, CO
Laura G. Young, Fort Collins, CO
Lisa Fairbank, Hotchkiss, CO
Marie Massey, Bellvue, CO
Mark Cleveland, Denver, CO
Megan Salazar, Fort Collins, CO
Monica Esposito, Grand Junction, CO
Scott Ruthven, Fort Collins, CO
Sherena Garza, Littleton, CO
Susan Fody, Littleton, CO
Susan Grande, Loveland, CO
Verona Rylander, Boulder, CO
OPENING - SLIDESHOW
EXHIBITION - SLIDESHOW
CURATOR
Kumiko S. McKee
3 Square Art Co-Owner/Gallery Director