Professional artists from several Midwest states, including Illinois and Missouri, will converge on Fairfield for the 14th Annual Fairfield PaintOut. The 2025 event will be held September 23rd through the 27th with headquarters at the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The PaintOut is sponsored by Volunteers for a Progressive Fairfield. This year’s event will again honor the memory of Spencer Meagher, local artist who was instrumental in the growth of the Fairfield PaintOut.
The PaintOut is a “plein air” event, meaning all the artists work outdoors, regardless of weather. Twenty-five artists are expected and will be working with several types of media, including oils, watercolor, pastels, and pen and ink. They welcome spectators and will visit with those who watch them work and answer questions posed to them.
Popular activities of the event are the “Nocturne Paint” and the Quick Paint. The Nocturne Paint has the artists painting at night when lighting is a challenge, but the results are some of the most impressive works of the event. The residents of Fairfield will enjoy seeking out the artists during the Nocturne Paint to see what they are painting and visit with them. Artists will be starting their Nocturne paintings on Wednesday evening.
During the Quick Paint, a time limit is specified for completion of paintings. This activity is also well received by artists and community members alike. The Quick Paint will be held Thursday, September 25th at Cider Barn Tree Farm & Ice Skating. Artists will be painting in the early morning light at 7:30 – 9:00. The public is welcome to come view the paintings and visit with the artists at that time.
The Fairfield community has embraced this event, since its inception. The completed, ready-to-hang artwork is available for purchase at the Premier Exhibit held on Friday evening, September 27th at Fairfield CP Church. Purchase Award Sponsors are secured prior to the event. Purchase Award Sponsors make deposit to purchase a painting at the Premier Exhibit. For providing the upfront deposit, Purchase Award Sponsors have first options to purchase the works on exhibit. Anyone interested in being a Purchase Award Sponsor may still make a deposit for a painting with Kristi Hornung at Carnaby Square or during the event prior to the Exhibit on Friday evening.
All paintings on display are available for purchase by those who attend the Premier Exhibit. Sales of paintings of local sites and landmarks have skyrocketed, with locals purchasing paintings from the artists at the Premier Exhibit held on Friday evening. Supporters have purchased over $50,000 of professional artwork in the past three years. All funds from purchased artwork go to the artists.
According to the artists, they return to the Fairfield PaintOut year after year, due to the community welcoming them and unique perks of the event. The Fairfield PaintOut has become an anticipated event each year. It is focused on the Fairfield community and Wayne County area.
The artists submit their works daily to be displayed. The Premier Exhibit is held on Friday evening, September 27th with an admission fee of $5 per person.
Sites for the artists to visit and paint are still being sought. They are especially interested in barns, lakes or ponds, rural vistas, and landscapes. Photos and/or locations may be sent to fairfieldpaintout@gmail.com or texted to 618.599.6510.
For more information about the Fairfield PaintOut, check out the Fairfield Paint Out Facebook page.
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