San Rafael, CA (June, 2015) – Plein air artists are invited to participate in the Downtown Artists in Action a Plein Air Competition in Downtown San Rafael on Saturday, August 29, from 8 am – 4 pm. Participating artists will create an original plein air painting or drawing of any location within Downtown San Rafael. Presented by The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (SRBID) and Marin Open Studios (MOS), Downtown Artists in Action Celebrates the arts community in Marin and invites Bay Area artists to discover Downtown San Rafael. Completed works will be judged at the end of the day and prizes awarded as follows: Best in Show $300 (RileyStreet Art Supply), First Place, $200 (The Folk Art Gallery) Second Place, $150 (Stephan Hill Jewelers), Third Place, $100 (Aroma Café). Completed works will also be exhibited at Art Works Downtown (AWD) in conjunction with Second Friday’s Art Walk and throughout the month of September. This event is open to all plein air artists of all skill levels. Pre-registration is $35. Download the Call for Artists and registration form at www.downtownsanrafel.org

“We are thrilled to host the first Plein Air paint out in Downtown San Rafael, said Carol Thompson, SRBID Executive director. “There is much beauty to discover in our downtown, from historic buildings and architecture such as the iconic Mission San Rafael and the gorgeous art deco Rafael Theater. But we also know there are other gems to be captured by the fresh take of an artist’s eye.” The San Rafael Downtown Artists in Action Day:

• Celebrates Downtown San Rafael’s character and culture by inviting artists to capture iconic scenes and smaller snippets of beauty discovered with fresh eyes.
• Invites the community to enjoy an afternoon strolling through downtown, discovering artists in action while exploring the unique businesses and cafes that enliven our community.
• Engages families with demonstrations and a youth “paint-out” area.
• Presents live music, plus store and dining specials throughout downtown.

What: Plein Air painting or drawing in any medium i.e., outdoors, from direct observation of the subject matter. Where: On-site at any location in Downtown San Rafael (map to be provided) When: Saturday, August 29, 8 am – 4 pm Exhibition: All completed work will be displayed at Art Works Downtown (AWD) in September. Sale: Artists may make their work available for sale at the show and throughout the month of September. No commission will be taken.

For more information, visit www.downtownsanrafael.org or call the SRBID at 415-720-5591.

About Downtown San Rafael BID: Downtown San Rafael, rich with history and a strong foundation as our city center, is the heart and soul of our community. Our buildings embody the community’s past and its visual identity. Our businesses are its future. The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), a 501(c )6 representing over 700 businesses, is working to preserve and vitalize Marin County’s largest central business district. With professional offices, unique retail, an internationally-diverse dining scene, world-class entertainment venues, Downtown is eclectic, authentic and proudly independent.

About Marin Open Studios: Marin Open Studios (MOS) a 501(c)3, is dedicated to supporting the visual arts and artists of Marin through its signature Open Studios event, in which 275 participating Marin artists open their studios to the public during the first two weekends in May,. The event includes a gala reception and three-week exhibition gallery where each participating artist has one of their works of art on display. Plein air events are also hosted by the Marin Open Studios painting group (MOSPAG) and offered to the public.