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‘Quick Draw’ tonight launches Plein Air

Sonoma Plein Air marks its 10th anniversary of raising money for the support of art education in the Valley’s schools and community organizations. This year’s festival runs through Oct. 6, although tickets to the lavish gala sold out before the invitations even went out in the mail. But there are still several opportunities to celebrate the classic art of painting in plein air with a variety of community events planned.

Today, Tuesday, Oct. 2, the artists will all head to the Plaza for a “Quick Draw” during the weekly farmers market.

Artists will spread out across the Square to quickly paint a small piece, which art lovers can purchase right off the easel. Artists will begin painting about 4:30 p.m. and will be finished by 6 p.m., at which point the art can be viewed at the Charles Creek Tasting Room on the Plaza.

Throughout the week, artists will paint all over Sonoma County, amassing a small collection of vineyard, coastal and city scenes.

The biggest event of the weekend happens on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the artists head back to the Plaza to sell their work from the week during a daylong art fair, which also include painting demonstrations, activities for youth and live music. The event is free to attend, and a portion of proceeds from art sold will benefit educational programs in the Valley’s public schools.

The Sonoma Plein Air event has raised more than $550,000 to support art education programs for children in Sonoma Valley.

Find out more at sonomapleinair.com.