Paint the Point

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Arts Mineral Point

press release: Forty-five artists from Florida to New York to Colorado will travel to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and set up their easels and canvases from August 10 - 13, for the 9th annual plein air competition, Paint The Point. 

In 2020, organizers worked diligently to modify every aspect of the event to make it safe and rewarding for artists and visitors alike. The event was one of a small number nationwide, that wasn't cancelled. In 2021, the spirits of both artists and visiting collectors were very high. "This great mood translated into our most successful event to date, with the highest number of paintings we had ever sold," said Ried Knapp, Arts Mineral Point board president. 

The historic mining towns of Mineral Point and Dodgeville, along with the idyllic surrounding countryside, present myriad scenic vistas for artists to capture. Artists will vie for over $7,000 in cash and prizes in four separate competitions during the four-day event. Paintings will be displayed and sold on Saturday, August 13, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at the Masonic Lodge, 304 High Street.

In the Main Event category, artists paint from Wednesday, August 10 to Friday afternoon, August 12 throughout Mineral Point and neighboring Dodgeville townships, capturing the landscapes and cityscapes of both towns. On Friday afternoon, a jury of three art professionals will judge paintings submitted by each artist. On Friday evening, winning paintings will be announced during an artist reception.

New this year is a Postcard-size Event. Artists may enter one painting created on a 5" x 7" canvas. These paintings will be judged and will be available for sale Saturday morning, August 13.  

Visitors are encouraged to visit Mineral Point, enjoy dinner and watch artists as they paint by moonlight during the The Nocturne Event on Thursday evening, August 11. Participating artists start painting at dusk, and work into the night. Completed paintings are then submitted  the next morning. 

Visitors are also encouraged to watch artists paint during the Quick Paint Event beginning at 8:00 am Saturday morning, August 13. Artists have only 2 hours, from start to finish, to create a painting of Mineral Point’s downtown historic district. Completed paintings will be judged and available for sale at noon, in a tent adjacent to the Masonic Lodge.

"Artists love capturing the enchanting driftless landscapes and significant historic architecture. Over 150 paintings will be available to purchase. Both experienced and novice collectors alike, will have wonderful opportunities to acquire excellent original art," said Knapp.

"Paint The Point" is presented by Arts Mineral Point, Inc., a 501c3 charitable organization. The organization’s mission is “to nurture and promote the arts in Mineral Point.” The group receives a commission for each painting sold. Several opportunities are available for businesses and individuals to sponsor the event. Sponsorship information as well as the event schedule and exhibit venue location map are available at https://www.artsmp.org/paint-the-point