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Labor Day weekend means barbecues and camping for most people, but in Spring City, Labor Day is all about art, specifically the Spring City Plein Air Festival. During the week before Labor Day, more than 100 artists came to Spring City to paint. They chose a variety of subjects, including landscapes, old trucks, animals, barns, and historic homes, but they were required to paint outdoors since plein air means outdoor painting.
The artists came from all over Utah and nearby western states to compete in the competition. Rain or shine, they committed to finish their painting within the week (no painting ahead of time). When the week was up, they handed in their paintings to the gallery for judging.
Prizes included $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Ten paintings were awarded honorable mention and those artists received $100.
Additionally, the paintings were displayed in the gallery for public viewing and purchasing. The gallery exhibited 280 paintings and sold over $80,000 worth of art.
On Saturday, artists painted a final “quick paint.”
A professional auctioneer auctioned them off Saturday afternoon at the Sloan’s Spring City Farm. Participants said it was fun to see a cowboy auctioneer calling out paintings instead of farm equipment or livestock.
Saturday night, the gallery closed off Main Street for a block party and dance. There were food trucks and a potluck.
“Block party is the gallery’s way of saying thank you to the community,” community member Tyler Christensen said. “Thank you for letting the artists come and paint in their backyards and their fields.”
The Spring City Plein Air Festival began over 15 years ago and is one of Utah’s longest running plein air events, according to the Sanpete Messenger. While artists may attend plein air festivals elsewhere, many of them say that Spring City is their favorite because of the community’s scenic landscapes, historic homes, and gorgeous natural light. The festival also draws art lovers from all over the state.
“It’s great. We really couldn’t do it without the people of spring city,” Ted Hinckley said.
In terms of experience, artists participating in the festival range from relatively inexperienced artists to master painters. NS’s own Henry DeGroff, who graduated recently and is studying art in Provo, sold a painting for over $1,000.
But whether they win or not, the artists say that participating is always fun. They enjoy being in the valley, making friends, and feeling the energy of the competition. Of course, painting outdoors has its hazards like intense heat, rain, and bugs.
“It really is Amazing,” Hinckley said. “Last year’s winning painting had gnats in it.”
NS student Liam Anderson attended the festival with his dad, who is an artist. Anderson said his dad bought an empty jar, which he found a little odd.
“I don’t really get why anyone would want an empty jar,” Anderson said. Since the 1970s, Spring City has been known for its art community. In addition to plein air, the gallery hosts several other festivals including a miniature painting sale at Christmas and a silent auction at Heritage Day in May.
