The American Art Company, 1126 Broadway Plaza,Tacoma, is hosting Plein Air Washington’s tribute to Washington State Park’s centennial year. Plein Air Washington is the state’s largest association of outdoor artists and painters. The show runs from October 17th through December 31st, with a special reception to be held on October 19th, 1-4pm.

For the last year, Plein Air Washington Artists have been taking their easels and paints on location to the four corners of the state–from Birch Bay to Field Springs. After experiencing and painting in the parks firsthand, the artists returned to their studios to create larger, more finished pieces. Works completed on location (plein air) and works created in the studio will hang side by side providing insight into the artistic process.

“We are immensely proud of this body of artwork and what we have achieved over the past year,” says Paula Ensign Plein Air Washington’s current president. “ The group painted over sixty-five parks, although not all of them will be represented in the show. For us, the year was as much about the journey as the destination. Even people who have lived in Washington all their lives found places they had not seen before. It was a great way to remember just how much our State Parks contribute to living to Washington State. “

A Centennial Salute to Washington State Parks may be viewed at the American Art Company, Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:30pm and Saturdays, 10:00-5:00pm or online at americanartco.com after October 17th. To learn more about Plein Air Washington Artists, please go to their website, pleinairwashington.com.