The Key West Art Center will kick off it’s 8th Annual Plein Air Key West with a demonstration by plein air painter Mike Rooney on Friday, March 11th. At 4:00 pm Mike Rooney, who is this year’s plein air judge, will share some of his plein air tips and techniques at this event which is free and open to the public. A meet-the-artist receptions follows Mike’s demonstration and artists may pre-register for the Plein Air Key West event.

The Plein Air Key West painting day is Saturday, March 12 with artist registration beginning at 9:00 am at the Art Center where the participants’ canvases are stamped before heading out to paint at the location of their choice. Artists of all levels join members of the Art Center, including noted local painters Martha dePoo, Karen Beauprie, Susan O’Neill and Elizabeth Chamberlain. Finished artwork is returned to the Art Center by 1:30 p.m. to be judged by Mike Rooney. The public is invited to enjoy light refreshments at the Happy Hour Show & Sale from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and share in the excitement when at 6:15 pm first, second and third place winners are announced and cash prizes are awarded. All paintings created that day will be on display and for sale that evening and the following week.

This year’s Plein Air Key West judge Mike Rooney splits his time between Key West, Maine, and North Carolina and is well-recognized here in Key West for his impressionistic and colorful paintings. His artwork is available locally at Gallery on Greene, 606 Greene Street.

The Plein Air participation fee for artists is $30 for Art Center members; $35 for non-members. The Key West Art Center is a non-profit community art gallery located at 301 Front Street, and open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information call the Art Center at (305) 294-1241 or visit www.keywestartcenter.com.