SISTERS, Ore. – On Saturday, July 28, artists will be drawn to the Metolius River, near the iconic Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery north of Sisters. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) and Deschutes National Forest will host the 4th Annual Plein Air Paint Out with a goal to enhance the public’s familiarity with and appreciation of the natural and recreational resources of the area.

Artists will have the opportunity to paint one of Oregon’s most stunning river and mountain landscapes, while bringing attention to conservation and stewardship work on the Metolius River in the Deschutes National Forest.

The Paint Out will be followed by a Judging Reception from 1 to 3 p.m., where the paintings will be for sale, at The Camp Sherman Store (25451 SW Forest Srv Rd. #1419 in Camp Sherman, OR 97730). All art lovers and onlookers are invited to the reception to vote for their favorite painting to win the People’s Choice award! 

Plein Air painting is an opportunity for artists of all levels of ability to enjoy capturing the scenes of the outdoors. The Paint Out is a timed competition, giving the artists four hours to complete original works of art alongside the Metolius River. Made on site in the ‘open air,’ the paintings will portray the magnificence of nature and also raise awareness of the need to take care of the treasures in our National Forest lands.

Under the Treasured Landscapes conservation campaign, the NFF has designated the Metolius River and Whychus Creek region as one of a handful of project sites. Plans over the coming years include significant watershed restoration and recreational improvement projects to revitalize the area’s natural systems and ensure quality outdoor experiences for visitors.

Paint Out paintings will be judged by a panel of artists and winning artwork will be made into posters to help promote a September 29 Friends of the Forest Day volunteer stewardship event. Planned in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, this volunteer project will give people an opportunity to lend a hand improving popular destinations in the Deschutes National Forest.

The 4th Annual Plein Air Paint Out and September Friends of the Forest Day are made possible by generous grants from the Roundhouse Foundation.

For information and to register, please contact Karly Hedrick, khedrick@nationalforests.org or 541-549-0251.