6 Countries Participate in WORLDWIDE PAINTING EVENT

Some of the World’s most talented outdoor painters brought their paint boxes and easels to paint the magnificence of Niagara Falls in a Worldwide Painting Event.  Globally landscape painters who work outside in the open air (plein air) painted on location at predetermined locations on September 8 – 10th.  This plein air tradition began in the 1800's but has recently taken on a universal comeback. The sponsoring organization worked at making this the largest paint out in history. Groups of artists in six countries signed up to participate.   The event in Niagara Falls ended with an exhibition and reception where awards were given for outstanding work.  There were nine artists in attendance from the lower region of the State of New York which included Garin Baker, Patricia Dunn, Shawn Dell Joyce, Laura Martinez- Bianco, Margaret Morales, Linda Richichi, Penny Thelman, Bruce Thorne and Lita Thorne.  Three New York State artists were awarded.  They are Garin Baker, New Windsor,NY with an IPAP Members Award, Patricia Dunn, Sparrowbush, NY, with an Honorable Mention in the Quick Draw Competition and a Purchase Award, for Best of Show to Linda Richichi, Newburgh, NY.

 The event had the support of both The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario and The City of Niagara Falls, New York.  The purchased painting, Colors of Niagara, an 11 x 14” pastel of the Canadian Falls by Richichi will be a part of the permanent collection of the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and will hang in Mayor Ted Salci’s office.  "I love the winning artwork.  It is incredibly
beautiful and will look great alongside our other displayed pieces. " commented Mayor Salci.   “ What an honor to have the support of two city governments of neighboring countries behind us.” responded Richichi who is a Signature Member of both the International and New York Plein Air Painters. This is the first time both cities were involved in this event.  Mayor Vince Anello of Niagara Falls, New York, USA was in attendance and congratulated all the participants. 

Attending artists were informed that because of the vision of one artist named Frederic Church from the original Hudson River School of Art in the 1800’s, the area around Niagara Falls became a protected site so that it could be appreciated for generations to come.  "Art adds to a community, attracts a core of people who are intelligent, creative and bring new ideas. They have a lot of energy, which is a really wonderful thing for a community to have."  says International Plein Air Painters ( IPAP) founder Jacqueline Baldini at the 2006 Worldwide Painting Event in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. 

Plein air artists seek the quality of natural light and atmosphere outdoors.  Their art work is in direct response to the beauty they find in nature.  They use a variety of media, from oils, through watercolors and pastels. “We had a great time and it was magnificent painting the falls, it was awesome.” exclaims Garin Baker, a muralist whose work includes the Trestle Project currently underway in Newburgh, NY.  “I had an enjoyable time and felt welcome and at home, the views were spectacular.” adds Patricia Dunn, a member of the newly formed Wallkill River School in the lower Hudson Valley, NY. 

This event was the fourth WORLDWIDE group event hosted in Niagara Falls.  Local artists who chose not to travel to Niagara Falls  participated in this worldwide painting event at a location in Nyack, New York.  Members of the NY Plein Air Painters (NYPAP) which includes many artists from the New York City area participated as well.  Each week members of the NYPAP and IPAP are gathered in groups in cities and countrysides capturing their surroundings.  IPAP, with members who reside throughout the World, is the blanket organization for individual plein air groups and was created for the sole purpose of advancing the execution and enjoyment of plein air painting without limitations of borders or regions. Its members share inspiration and encouragement both on the Internet and at "paint outs".  "My sense was that visitors to the park really enjoyed our presence and  the chance to watch art in the making. I can't tell you how many people stopped to watch, talk, and ask if they could have their picture taken with me and my work on the easel. People of every
imaginable nationality. Niagara Falls is truly a cosmopolitan place." says Karl Eric Leitzel, third place award winner in the Quick Draw competition from PA and the founder of the Landscape Artists International which is a group of professional artists that are visible through the internet.  "Art is a connecting force.  It is the universal language and pulls people together. " adds Richichi.

If you would like to participate or learn more about IPAP you may go directly to the website at www.i-p-a-p.com,  or call the Regional Ambassador at 845 567-0060.

Photo:  Mayor Ted Salci of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada with Linda Richichi, Best of Show and IPAP founder Jacqueline Baldini

Photo: Mayor Ted Salci of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada with Best of Show Pastel Painting, Niagara Colors by Linda Richichi

New ‘plein air’ pastels at River Winds Gallery

RiverWinds Gallery, 172 Main Street, Beacon, is featuring new pastels by "plein air" RiverWinds artist Linda Richichi from May 13 through June 5, 2006.

In between her worldwide travels, Linda has taken much time this last year capturing "plein air" landscapes from the lower Hudson Valley region. Her dazzling colors spring forth from every painting which stimulate the senses.

There will be an artist reception Beacon Second Saturday, May 13, 6-9pm

Richichi recently received a major honor from the International Plein Air Painters (I.P.A.P.) organizations. I.P.A.P. is made up of 19 different Plein Air Painting organizations throughout 11 different countries. This year Richichi was selected along with only two other artists worldwide for Signature Status. This earns her the right to place the initials of the organization, I.P.A.P. , after her signature on her plein air paintings. The initials signify the organization's recognition for outstanding work. The New York Plein Air Painters honored her with Signature Status as well this year.

"En plein air" is French meaning in open air or out of doors. This mode of painting was made popular in France in the 1800s by the Impressionists. There is a strong global movement to keep this tradition alive. Richichi is also the Regional Ambassador for the International Plein Air Painters to recruit others to take their easels outside in the light. Those interested in finding out more are free to contact her and request an application. " My aim is to discover and capture what cannot be seen. Intuition leads the way. I enjoy painting in outdoors as all the senses can be employed." says the artist. "Being in nature in silence is essential to discover who I am and what I want to say through my paintings. As I follow my heart I am taken to extraordinary places that are filled with beauty."

Born in Montgomery, her mother gave Linda her first easel at age two. She earned her first award and commission at the age of sixteen. Numerous awards have been earned through the years. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from SUNY, New Paltz and many years of study thereafter. A scholarship from the Pastel Society of America was awarded to Richichi to attend classes at the Art Students League in NYC in 1999. Soon after, she was the accepted into the Pastel Society's show at the National Arts Club in New York City. In 2003 Linda was inducted in the Pastel Society of America as a juried associate member. Richichi shares her time painting with teaching art classes at Orange County Community College. She teaches "plein air" painting from her studio and in 2004 and 2005 she conducted workshops around the country, in Tuscany, Italy and Paris, France. Her work can be found in private and public collections around the country and abroad.

Richichi will be hosting an all day "paint out" on June 6 in the Newburgh area for the members of the Lower Hudson Valley Plein Air Painters which is a chapter of the NYPAP. Artists will each pick a spot and capture their experience on canvas. It will be held at the newly named Stewart State Forest near Stewart International Airport. Worldwide plein air painters are cognizant of the disappearing landscapes. They often choose sights that are in jeapordy of being lost to development. Richichi chose her paint out location in the Stewart State Forest to celebrate the recent permanent preservation of this land filled with flora and fauna. Visitors are welcome to watch the artists as they work.

In addition to Richichi's paintings, RiverWinds Gallery features more than 40 Hudson Valley artists. There are traditional fine art and contemporary crafts including ceramics, pottery, cards, paintings, photography, jewelry, apparel, and home decor.

Gallery hours are Wednesday - Monday 12 - 6pm and 9pm on Second Saturday.

Directions: Route 84 exit 11, take Route 9D South, turn left at Main Street. The Gallery is on the left, a block and half East on Main Street.

For further information: call 845-838-2880 http://www.riverwindsgallery.com