The Keeseville Plein Air Festival, a key part of AdkAction’s Community Revitalization Project, had its most successful year yet.  Twenty-seven artists registered for the five-day event and the products of their work hung in the Block Gallery on Front Street from Friday evening through Sunday, July 12-14.

The paintings were a charming mix of scenes from Keeseville and surrounding communities, from Essex to the Peru Boat Landing.  For the third annual event, judges awarded first prize to Debra Bayly for her classic Keeseville scene of the AuSable River and the old nail factory, second prize went to Kari Ganoung Ruiz, and third to Jackie Clark. Jerry Russell won the People’s Choice Award.

One of the highlights of the week, the Preview Party, was packed Friday night with over 100 people perusing paintings while enjoying wine, beer, and finger food.   The five-day event requires a lot of volunteers (we counted at least 28), including judges for the artwork and hosts providing housing for the visiting artists. The number of businesses and individuals sponsoring the event also grew this year thanks to the leadership of Board Member Andy Prescott. During the three-day show, $13,500 of art was sold, about $3500 more than last year.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success!