Artists Bring Landscapes to Life at Annual Paintout April 15 - 17

HIGH SPRINGS – Artists will once again take to the banks of North Florida’s springs and rivers this month as the 9th Annual Santa Fe Springs Plein Air Paintout returns, inviting the public to watch painters at work and experience the region’s landscapes through art.

The weeklong event will feature 18 artists painting en plein air, outdoors and on location, across sites along the Santa Fe River, capturing the area’s distinctive springs, cypress-lined waterways and natural scenery.

Organizers say the annual paintout has grown into a signature regional arts event, drawing both experienced painters and curious onlookers interested in seeing the creative process unfold in real time.

The public will have three opportunities to observe the artists during designated viewing days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at area parks, including Rum Island Springs County Park on April 15, Poe Springs Park on April 16 and O’Leno State Park on April 17. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the artists, ask questions and learn more about plein air techniques.

While the paintout is free to attend, standard park admission fees apply at each location.

The event will culminate in a public reception and exhibit at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies on April 18 from 5 to 8 p.m., where completed works will be displayed and available for purchase. The exhibit will remain on display through May 17.

Proceeds from the event will also support conservation efforts, with 10 percent of all art sales benefiting Our Santa Fe River, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Santa Fe River and its surrounding ecosystem. The paintout is sponsored by Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County. Event maps and additional information are available through the gallery.

Organizers say the combination of art, public access and environmental awareness continues to define the event, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience North Florida’s natural beauty from a new perspective.

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