A National Park Salute

Paradise Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Iryna Milton

If you need any convincing that our National Parks were indeed America's Best Idea, you may want to start planning a trip to Tacoma now. The Plein Air Washington Annual Show, themed A National Park Salute to celebrate the NPS Centennial, showcases the diverse beauty of our public lands along with the incredible talent in our little corner of the country.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park- PLEIN AIR
Joanne Shellan

While the award ceremony has come and gone, the show is still on display at the American Art Company in Tacoma. If you have a favorite painting you want recognized be sure to visit during the Closing Celebration on January 7th, 2017, from 3pm-5pm! You will be able to cast a vote for the People's Choice Award and congratulate the winner! It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet with your fellow art lovers.

Grand View, Grand Teton NP
Paula Ensign

 Jane Wallis has edited a beautiful compilation of the work included in the show, along with all the entries our members submitted. Each artist has written about their experience painting in National Parks, making the book an inspirational collection.

Light Play on Saddle Rock - Scotts Bluff National Monument
Laura Gable

Judge Jim McVicker had quite the job judging this show, there was no shortage of deserving work!

Best of Show: Ned Mueller
"St. Mary River, Glacier National Park"

1st Place: Melanie Thompson
"Clarno Dawn"

2nd Place: Jim Lamb
"Morning Shadows Over the White River"

3rd Place: Jan Jewell
"White Mountain From Tioga Pass"

Best Plein Air: Ned Mueller
"Study from Glacier National Park"

Honorable Mention: Jan Jewell
"White Mountain at Yosemite from Tioga Pass"

Honorable Mention: Yong Hong Zhong
"Broken Arch Study"

Gamblin Sponsor Award for Best Use of Color: Robin Weiss
"Forest Light, Olympic National Park"

Rosemary & Co Sponsor Award for Best Use of Light: Lou Hurlbut
"Grand Staircase, Escalante National Monument"

If you're interested in seeing the show, stop by the American Art Company at 1126 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma. They're open from 10:00am-5:30pm Tuesday – Friday, and 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays.

If you can't make it to the show, or want a little preview before stopping in you can see it on the American Art Company website.