‘Mississippi Riverscapes:’ Awards ceremony to be at National Great Rivers Museum

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project, in partnership with Jacoby Arts Center, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and Mooneyham Art LLC, will host the grand opening and awards ceremony for its second annual Plein Air art competition, “Mississippi Riverscapes.”

Awards for the contest will be presented during an opening reception at the National Great Rivers Museum starting at 5 p.m. June 14. The reception will include refreshments and live music by local group Psychedelic Symphony, followed by the presentation of awards at 5:30 p.m.

The reception event is open to the public and will provide an advance preview of the exhibit before its official opening on June 15.

The first-place winner will receive an opportunity to showcase their artwork for one month at Mooneyham Art in downtown Alton alongside regional, national, international and celebrity artists.

The second-place winner will receive a wheel-throwing clay class at Jacoby Arts Center and a $50 art supply gift certificate.

The honorable mention recipient will receive a gift bag from the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, including a pottery item from Mississippi Mud Pottery and a $25 gift certificate to the Great Rivers Treasures gift shop located in the National Great Rivers Museum.

The best artwork from each of the eight selected locations will also receive a gift bag of Great Rivers & Routes merchandise.

The exhibit will remain on display through Aug. 30.

“We are excited to once again open this exhibit to the public,” said Elise Ratcliff, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers natural resources specialist and contest coordinator. “This collaboration with Jacoby Arts Center, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and Mooneyham Art has allowed us to bring awareness to our region’s public lands by showcasing their natural beauty through the lens of local artists. The pieces are absolutely incredible, and we can’t wait to kick off this unique exhibit at the awards ceremony on June 14.”

The competition concluded May 31 and featured open-air painting and drawing at Rivers Project recreation areas throughout May. The contest was open to amateur and professional artists ages 16 and older. All paintings completed and submitted during the contest period will be available for public viewing in the “Mississippi Riverscapes” exhibit at the National Great Rivers Museum beginning June 15.

Artwork submitted for the contest was evaluated by the Jacoby Arts Center Exhibition Committee and guest judges, including prominent artists, art educators and gallery owners, using the following criteria: visual impact, craftsmanship, composition, color, creativity and adherence to contest regulations.

Plein Air, a French term meaning “in open air,” is a method of painting in which artists work entirely outdoors, capturing the essence and lighting of the real-life scene before them. The technique gained popularity during the 19th century when paints became available in tubes, making it easier for artists to work outside. Today, it remains a popular art form practiced by artists around the world.

For additional information, contact Ratcliff at (618) 462-6979, [email protected].