Artists: Plein Air artists paint from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are invited to observe the artists, ask questions and experience Central City in autumn from an artist’s perspective.

Central City Opera, in partnership with the Gilpin County Arts Association, will hold the second annual Central City Plein Air Festival from September 27-29, 2019. Twenty-two handpicked artists from around the country will travel to Central City for three days to paint fall landscapes and the architecture of this historic Colorado mountain town.

Plein Air artists will be painting from sunrise to sunset within a two-mile radius of the Central City Opera House and will be stationed along Main Street, Eureka Street, up at the Central City Reservoir, Central City cemeteries and the Coeur D’Alene Mine. Visitors are invited to observe the artists, ask questions and experience Central City in autumn from an artist’s perspective.

A variety of free activities for all ages will take place throughout the weekend, including the KidZone Drop In Arts Station between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Penrose House Lawn. Kids and families are welcome to express their creative energies in a fun and safe outdoor setting.

On Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m., visitors on the Central City All-Access Tour will go behind the scenes in the Central City Opera House, Teller House and other hist

oric properties not currently open to the public. At 12 p.m., watch artists create paintings in under 90 minutes at the Quick Draw Competition and purchase your favorite at the following Easel Sale. On Sunday, September 29 at 2 p.m., The Gilpin Historical Society will lead the Bald Mountain Cemetery Tour, providing history on those who lived and died in Gilpin County long ago.

The Plein Air Festival will culminate in an Exhibition, Sale and Awards Reception on Sunday, September 29 at 5 p.m. The artists’ paintings created throughout the weekend will be on display and available for purchase in the Gilpin County Art Association’s Washington Hall Gallery, located at 117 Eureka Street, Central City, CO.

The 2019 Central City Plein Air Festival Schedule of Events and artist biographies can be found at the Visitor Information Desk in the lobby of the Teller House, located at 120 Eureka Street and at www.central citypleinair.org. Proceeds from this event support Central City Opera and the Gilpin County Arts Association.