The Great Migration Paint Out 2023 has come and gone, and it was once again a real crowd pleaser. Each year has been very fulfilling to its organizers, volunteers and participants. And the community has responded with enthusiasm and a great turnout.
Elaine van Loo has been looking back on the past four years of èn plein air competitions in Kingsville. She shared some of her thoughts with us:
Five years ago my husband Layne van Loo asked, ” Why don’t we make an èn plein air competition in Kingsville?”
My reply was it would be too much work.
After many hours in development and organization we have just completed our fourth annual competition.
The struggles and hours of dedication disappear when we see and hear the gratitude of our community and artists.
We had many visitors from out of town and they have fallen in love with Kingsville’s hospitality and warmth. The 4-hour fine art Show and Sale had a little over $9,000 in sales.
Thank you Kingsville and visitors for your support and appreciation of original artwork.
Thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors. We are truly grateful.
~ Elaine Guitar-van Loo
An Army of Volunteers
So many people contributed to the success of this year’s event.
Here are some of our smiling front desk volunteers, who welcomed people and sold artwork.
Delectable Treats
Our tables were full to overflowing, and it was all delicious.
Leslie Pittendreigh prepared exquisite food for the Sunday event at Grovedale. Thank you, Leslie!
So Many Artists!
Here is just a sample of artists doing the Saturday morning Quick Paint.
A Bird’s-eye View of the Hall
Here’s an aerial view of the event’s celebration at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre.
And the Winners are …
First Place: Johnathon Anderson
Second Place: Patty Lynes
Third Place: Astra Mams
One of Michelle Reid’s paintings got an honorable mention. It was her first time at GMPO!
Michelle came down from Kingston with her two artist friends Adele Webster and Alice Melo. They are already excited to come back again next year.
Thank you, Layne and Elaine, for all your hard work organizing this wonderful event.
If anyone would like to join the team of volunteers for next year, please contact Layne at Layne.vanloo@hotmail.ca
Photos of Elaine Guitar-van Loo and Layne van Loo provided by Elaine Guitar-van Loo
All other photos provided by Great Migration Paint Out