Nothing like the image of a missing artwork in the local paper to get things going.
It turns out that the prize-winning “Gothic Church” was safe and sound at the Fairborn Parks & Recreation office.
“Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding about how and when loaned paintings could be retrieved, but the artist has been notified and put into contact with Fairborn Parks & Recreation,” said Plein Air Exhibition coordinator Bob Coates.
At the close of the exhibit last July, Fairborn Parks offered the artists the opportunity to exhibit their work at the city offices only, and contracts were signed.
The exhibit organizers helped to facilitate this arrangement, but weren’t involved directly in the process.
“I knew they had the painting, but I did not know where. Maybe I should have paid more attention to where they were going to place it,” McNeeley said. “Maybe I should write my name and number on the back of the frame in case someone tries to contact me. These are little things I am learning as I become more involved in the art community.”
Upon being notified of its whereabouts, McNeeley was able to pick up his painting on Tuesday.
“I want to assure everyone that the Plein Air Exhibition Committee, on behalf of Fairborn Art Association and B-W Greenway Community Land Trust, takes the safekeeping of artists’ work very seriously,” Coates said. “FAA provides a secure gallery space to showcase the paintings for the general public, and anyone who handles the paintings takes great care with them.”
The 2014 En Plein Air Juried Painting Exhibition entry deadline is June 29. The show will be up at the FAA Gallery every Sunday in July. Artists will paint at the 164-acre marshland site Cemex Reserve. So gather up your art supplies and drive to this naturally beautiful setting to transfer some of that beauty to your canvas.
“The Fairborn Plein Air Exhibition is one of my favorites. I love going out there multiple times every spring to paint, and I plan to participate every year in the event,” McNeeley said.
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