On Saturday, July 26th between 20 and 30 artists will gather at the Park City Gardens for a Plein Air Paint Out hosted by the venue and Gallery MAR. Maren Mullin, owner of Gallery MAR, says the event was born out of a desire to bring together art and nature. “My friend Sophy Kohler, the owner of Park City Gardens, and I wanted to collaborate on an event that would bring art to the nursery, and a plein air event was born!” Mullin and Kohler felt it was important to make the event as welcoming to the community as possible. “We wanted it to be free and open to the public, and ideal for artists of all abilities and skill levels. It's a community gathering where other types of art can flourish too, as we have had dancers and musical acts in the past as well. For several years, the event was sponsored by the Chamber, but now Gallery MAR and Park City Nursery pay for the event and production.”

Mullin also sought to provide opportunities for Summit County creatives, young and old. “Local artists have so many amazing opportunities in our area, but this was an event that we felt was missing. We love to encourage young artists through this event, and offer a special kids' level for prizes.” The event seems to be gaining notoriety, and boasts more participating artists for the 2025 event than in any year past. Many are returning artists, though Mullin claims “I'm looking forward to seeing some first-time artists as well.” Morgan McCue, a returning artist for this year’s event, says “I love participating in the [Plein] Air Paint Out because it’s such a beautiful, fairytale-like event. The setting is a painter’s dream. Although (or maybe because) I am a full-time artist, I rarely have the luxury of uninterrupted hours to paint outside. It feels both gluttonous and meditative. This event offers artists an opportunity to gather, to be seen and celebrated, and an excuse to create for the sake of creating. Plus it’s so accessible and free for participants and guests. Like a midsummer curtsy to art, nature, family, and the magic of living in this beautiful place.”

Mullin understands well the magic of Summit County’s Arts & Culture scene. “I love getting out in the community and seeing art events right here in Summit County, like the Art on the Trails, and of course the Park City Kimball Arts Festival. This plein air event takes little effort and is an easy "yes" for a busy gallery owner to produce, so we continue to bring it back!”

Another reason to continue producing the Plein Air Paint Out may be to give families and kids a fun and easy way to get involved with visual art. Mullin’s daughters have enjoyed past events, though they will miss this year’s Paint Out. “My two girls, Jane (11) and Faye (9) will be at summer camp, but I have fond memories of them interacting with the artists and watching their techniques, and even getting in on the action. My girls love to watercolor and have painted some gems over the years. A few generous artists will allow the curious kids to add a brushstroke, or give them a paint brush and a piece of paper to create on their own. We hope that this will be a bounding off point for families to foster creativity in their own homes and gardens, and that it will inspire them to add a little art and creative time to their sport-laden schedules.”

Be sure to check out this year’s Plein Air Paint Out on Saturday, July 26th from 3-6pm at Park City Gardens! Details available here.

Plein Air Paint Out Returns to Park City Gardens