40 talented Mississippi artists from across the state will gather to compete at the first annual Pacesetter Plein Air Competition Renaissance at Colony Park.

The artists will find locations across the venue that include unique architecture, fountains and garden spaces. The artists will paint watercolor, oil, pastel and mixed media and have 4 hours to complete their competition piece.

Vicksburg’s own, Elke Briuer, will be participating at Plein Air at Renaissance. Briuer uses various media but currently works in acrylics. She is a juried member of Mississippi’s Art Colony.

Her paintings can be found in collections internationally and are featured in film and television. Her work can be found for purchase at the Pacesetter Gallery as well.

Each artist has from 2 to 6 p.m. to complete a painting that will be on display that night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the Artists’ Reception and Sale.

Judging the event is longtime artist and local Clinton teacher, Rick Anderson.

Anderson explains what plein air painting is, “From the early 1900’s the outdoors has been a working studio for artists. Sun, rain, cold, hot, wind or calm, the outdoors gives artists all environments to create art. This will not change. What’s exciting is that more artists are creating plein-air paintings. Unlike indoor studios, plein air painters are challenged with constant changes in the environment and the time to put that on canvas or paper is limited. Paint quickly but decisively-what do I paint and what do I leave out to capture the moment in time? Mississippi plein-air painters will be in “Plein” sight at the Pacesetter Plein Air Competition Renaissance at Colony Park on Oct. 7 from 2-6 p.m., Come join us.”

The reception will be highlighted with hors d’oerves sponsored by local Ridgeland Renaissance restaurants Zea’s Rotisserie and Bar, Enzo Osteria and local caterer Olivia’s Food Emporium.

Artwork created during the day will be available for sale through the gallery, with the award-winning work on display and sale through November at the first Pacesetter Renaissance Show which will be held in the Renaissance Main Office.