The sixth annual Carmel on Canvas plein air paint out was held Sept. 13-15. This open-air painting exhibition and competition took place on the sidewalks throughout the Carmel Arts & Design District and Midtown.
Artists from across the Midwest and beyond competed for more than $11,500 in prize money at this year’s Carmel on Canvas. (Photo provided)
“Carmel on Canvas is an event that is perfectly aligned with our strategy of using the arts as an economic development tool,” said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. “So many artists traveled to Carmel from across the Midwest and other parts of the country to create works of art using Carmel’s Arts & Design District and the new Midtown area as their inspiration. One of my favorite aspects of this event is that the artists interact with the public who are able to see the works of art created. Our hope is to grow this event to be the best plein air paint out in the country.”
The Carmel on Canvas plein air event hosted more than 70 highly acclaimed artists from the Midwest and beyond, including Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, Kentucky, Wisconsin and other communities. The artists competed in a variety of plein air contests during the three-day event. They registered in a division that matched their skill or age level: Professional, non-professional, teen and children. Award winning artist Shawn Krueger, signature member of the American Tonalist Society and participant of many curated shows throughout the country, served as the judge, with all plein air prizes awarded at the public reception on Saturday night in the Arts & Design District.
David M. Seward, Zionsville, took home the Grand Prize.
“I enjoy the Carmel on Canvas paint out very much, as I have been to all of the competitions since it began six years ago,” said Seward. “The City of Carmel continues to put on a top-notch event and the people that I come in contact with are very nice. Thanks to the judge, Shawn Krueger, the city and all the individuals who helped put this year’s event together.”
On Saturday morning, a Quick Paint took place at the Carmel Farmers Market at Center Green. The winners of this contest were selected by visitors to the market, which raised community awareness of the event overall.
An Art Fair concluded the weekend on Sunday afternoon, where artists displayed and sold their work to visitors. Artists displayed creations from the Carmel on Canvas event as well as pieces from their broader scope of work.
2019 Carmel on Canvas Awards
Professional Division
Grand Prize ($3,000): David M. Seward, Zionsville
2nd Place ($2,000): Spencer Meagher, Mount Vernon, Ill.
3rd Place ($1,500): Mary Ann Davis, Indianapolis
4th Place ($1,000): Melinda Spear-Huff, Sheridan
Merit Winner: RL Weber, Belvidere, Ill.
Merit Winner: Kyle Rasgsdale, Indianapolis
Merit Winner: Jamie Green, Quincy, Ill.
Merit Winner: Roy Boswell, Bargersville
Merit Winner: Lesley Haflich, Noblesville
Merit Winner: Larry Siwek, Quincy, Ill.
Merit Winner: Autumn Hunt, Carmel
Merit Winner: Kathleen Gray Farling, Alliance, Ohio
Merit Winner: Anna Afshar, Fishers
Merit Winner: Wendy Fleury, Union, Ky.
Non-Professional Division
1st Place: Melanie Wissel, Carmel
2nd Place: Michael Sinon, Indianapolis
3rd Place: Sepideh Motevaselolhagh, Indianapolis
Merit Winner: Brad Fields, Fishers
Merit Winner: Karrie McCan, Carmel
Teen Division
1st Place: Chloe Sun, Carmel
2nd Place: Sarah Firestone, Carmel
3rd Place: Izzy Monger, Carmel
Children’s Division
No entries
Quick Paint
1st Place (Tie): Anna Afshar, Indianapolis; and Tammie Dickerson, Belton, Mo.
2nd Place: Kyle Rasdale, Indianapolis
Child Merit: Polly Thompson, Cicero
Purchase Awards
Bazbeaux Pizza ($300): Sherrie Thomas, Larsen, Wis.
The Carrie Holle Group – Highgarden Real Estate ($250): Cathy Bauder, Westfield
Terry and Lezlie Heath Home ($500): Spencer Meagher, Mount Vernon, Ill.
Indiana Design Center ($250): RL Weber, Belvidere, Ill.
Scott Osborne Sculpture at Carmel-Clay Historical Society Depot ($500): Brad Fields, Fishers
The Purchase Awards paintings have been presented to each business for display in their establishment. Please stop by the businesses to see the different winning paintings. Best of Show winners from previous years are displayed at All Things Carmel, 110 W. Main St.
In addition to Purchase Award sponsors, event organizers wish to thank these event sponsors:
- Blick Art Materials
- Carmel Arts Council
- Carmel Farmers Market
- Chapman-Osborne Legacy Realtors
- City of Carmel
- Hamilton County Tourism
- Indiana Design Center
- RPM Technologies, LLC