Emma, Abby and Jack Pachuta

Every year, as part of the annual Strawberry Festival, the Cedarburg Artist Guild sponsors the Plein Air (Open Air) Art Competition. The original works of art must be completed within two blocks of the Washington Avenue Historic District during the eight days of the event, and focus on the wonderful buildings and scenery in the city. This year over 100 artists from as far away as California and Washington, DC competed for the $2000 "Best of Show" award and the ten $250 "Honorable Mention" awards. (Last year, Emma won an Honorable Mention.)

Emma and I spent several days with our oils and watercolors, painting together on the streets. Abby (always an individualist) used pastels and acrylics as her media of choice. The artists made Cedarburg look like a little Paris, and the works of art were sold at a silent auction in the Cedarburg Cultural Center where they were displayed for festival-goers.

   

Abby painted with her friend Missy Austin in front of the City Hall - AND she sold her first painting. A high bid of $50 won her acrylic of Advent Lutheran Church - across Washington Avenue from the Hall.

The three of us are the only father and two-daughter group to ever compete in the Plein Air. A relaxing conclusion to the event is the wine (Cedar Creek Winery, of course) and cheese (Wisconsin, naturally) reception at the Washington House Inn on the final night. Renira and I were sure to sample everything - it's only polite. The Plein Air is one of the highlights of the year and makes me, once again, think I should have been an artist. 

Jack

Photos by Deb Krenitz of The News Graphic