Mesmerized by an evocative brushstroke, an identical likeness, the use of light and shadow, the very texture of paint—how often have we stood in awe of an artist’s ability to capture our thoughts and inspire new perspectives? The instantaneous success of the Cape Ann Plein Air (CAPA) festival, now in its eighth year, and its increasing popularity amongst greater Cape Ann residents and visitors alike, has prompted CAPA’s board of directors to further enhance this year’s programming. Special events including Palate to Palette dinners (where artists create an original work in a restaurant while diners enjoy their meal and watch the painting unfold) began in early 2024 and will continue through the fall dates of the festival. What has become evident is that people want more engagement with the arts and CAPA’s new partnerships respond by pairing exciting events with live en plein air painting, adding new dimension to some of greater Cape Ann’s most treasured traditions. Motif No. 1 Day in May, Fiesta Weekend in June, the Schooner Festival in August will all include en plein air painting of the day’s events followed by an outdoor exhibition and art sale. Young artists are encouraged to participate as well. In fact, the CAPA team is creating a program where a local plein air painter will introduce this technique to high school art classes.
“By offering events throughout the year, we are engaging a wide range of art lovers: artists, art patrons, sponsors and others, encouraging them to learn about the invaluable legacy of plein air painting on Cape Ann, thus drawing a sell-out crowd at our remarkable Collectors’ Preview Party: Celebrating the Freshest Art on Cape Ann,” shares Susan Gould-Coviello, CAPA executive director.
Greater Cape Ann’s history as an artist’s paradise precedes it. What many may not realize is that the region is the birthplace of plein air painting, a phrase borrowed from the French meaning “open (in full) air.” Today, CAPA is nationally recognized as one of the leading outdoor painting competitions in the U.S. This year, CAPA will present more than $20,000 in prizes—one of the largest amongst the nation’s competitions—and will again welcome national and international plein air artists. Those selected to participate will spread out across greater Cape Ann in pursuit of views and subjects that have lured painters to the region for more than 150 years.
CAPA 2024, set for October 5–13, will once again engage all of greater Cape Ann. “Cape Ann Plein Air is an example of the vibrant cultural community in our region,” said Gould-Coviello. “We’re thrilled with the support from Cape Ann’s arts community, businesses and residents.”
Watching the creative process demystified before your eyes is magical. Celebrating the work created in just one short week is simply surreal. As the artists display their work for judging and sale at the Gala, this evening marks the week’s experiences and adventures. Stories are shared and new friendships are made. A portion of each sale is donated to the Cape Ann Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber, to assist art students in the pursuit of their craft.
All are welcome to attend any part of the week’s festivities. Mingle with artists who love to discuss their work and what draws them to greater Cape Ann. Many apply to CAPA every year—a testament to the artistic inspiration, camaraderie, and community they experience here, as well as the elusive “Cape Ann light” they hope to capture on canvas. Imagine all this against the backdrop of a burgeoning fall foliage season, crashing waves, and dramatic sunsets and you have the makings of a perfect fall sojourn.
