Plein Air Painters' US Open

Meet artists from around the world as they converge on Whidbey Island to paint outdoors in this one-of-a-kind event. They paint all week, but the public may observe for free as both professionals and amateurs create paintings at four distinct venues on Friday, September 11 in Coupeville, Ebey-s Landing Natural Historic Preserve and Langley The five-day event closes with a public gala where the new paintings are auctioned at the Historic Crockett Barn the evening of Sept. 12. Gala tickets are $50 and double as $50 in ?plein air bucks? (credit toward a painting purchase). The event supports the Pacific Northwest Art School. For more information: www.pleinairopen.com (866) 678-3396.