17th Annual Plein Air Invitational: March 6 - April 2, 2023
The 17th Annual Plein Air Invitational brought another outstanding exhibition of Plein Air paintings focusing on the unique beauty and environmental significance of the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Borrego Valley. The exhibition was a rich diversity of Plein Air paintings by a select group of 13 artists working in oils, watercolor and pastels, all producing work for the show during the week of March 6 -10. New work went up daily in the gallery during the week and the gallery stayed open until 7:00 pm Monday through Friday that week. The awards and reception were held on Saturday, March 11, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Gallery hosted the show till April 2, 2023. The Invitational was once again curated by Kay Levie. The 2023 Juror of Awards was Rick Delanty from San Clemente, CA.
Invited Artists for 2023
Geoffrey Allen, Encinitas, CA; Richard Boyer, Salt Lake City, UT; Kevin Davidson, Orange, CA; Natasha Isenhour, Socorro, NM; Ryan Jensen, Blue Lake, CA; Margaret Larlham, San Diego, CA; Jason Lee, Yorba Linda, CA; Joe Mancuso, Torrance, CA; Patti McGeeney, Del Mar, CA; Robin Purcell, Carlsbad, CA; Stephen Stauffer, Murray, UT; Toni Williams, Carlsbad, CA; Jim Wodark, Orange, CA
PLEIN AIR 2023 WINNERS
1st PLACE
(Sponsored by Robert Wright)
MARGARET LARLHAM
Round the Bend at Coyote Creek
2nd PLACE
(Sponsored by Borrego Valley Inn)
JIM WODARK
Sunrise, Moonset
3rd PLACE
(Sponsored by Kathy Magnum)
GEOFFREY ALLEN
Gypsy’s Trail
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(Sponsored By Rams Hill Golf Club)
RYAN JENSEN
Workers in a Field
NATASHA ISENHOUR
A Borrego Dawn for Margi
ROBIN PURCELL
Pleated Ridge
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
(Sponsored By Diane Johnson)
STEPHEN STAUFFER
First Crossing
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE / BEST PASTEL
(Sponsored by O'Dunn Fine Art)
NATASHA ISENHOUR
A Borrego Dawn for Margi
QUICK DRAW
(Sponsored by Carlee's Place)
NATASHA ISENHOUR
Purple Nuance
ARTISTS CHOICE (Sponsored by Joy Johnson)
