A Glorious Week for our Local Plein Air Artists!

Article by Becky Fillinger

Take a walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and you’ll often see plein air artists at work. While on a walk one morning during this past beautiful week, I found three working at their craft on the Marcy Holmes side of the bridge.

Shelly Hall told me that this bonus week of wonderful temperatures and colors must be appreciated. She noted that for her, plein air painting will be coming to a close as the weather cools. “Enjoy nature – it is the most healing thing we have now.” Smart advice from Hall.

Shelly Hall

Artist James Turner said that day’s light was perfect, and added “The sunshine illuminated and bounced off dogs, people, buildings and the bridge.”  He told me that the three artists I spoke with are members of two plein air artist organizations - the OPM - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota and the Minnesota Figure Study Collaborative.

James Turner

Georgia Kandiko is mostly a studio painter (an award-winning and juried painter) but loves the comraderie of plein air artists. “It is really fun to be out here creating and collaborating with my friends!”

Georgia Kandiko

Take the advice of these creative painters – enjoy this windfall weather we’re experiencing – and stop and talk to these masters along the way. 

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About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories.