Summit County Citizens Voice

Forest Service promotes the arts and the national Christmas tree with Aug. 18 event in Aspen

Colorado landscape painters have the chance to compete for cash prizes this weekend in Aspen.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — For Colorado landscape painters, there’s not much that’s more pleasant than a day spent in fresh air, rendering a stunning Rocky Mountain scene.

Add to that the potential to win a cash prize and to help publicize that this year’s national Christmas tree will come from Colorado, and you have the makings of a great event, with the White River National Forest sponsoring a day-long paint-out session at five scenic spots in the Aspen area.

The Aug. 18 art festival features a total of $4,000 in cash prizes and a chance to win a spot at the prestigious Denver Plein Air Arts Festival.

In addition to the art competition, the Forest Service is also hosting a family event on the grounds of the Aspen Art Museum. As part of the continued celebration of art and the outdoors, children and families can take part in a day of art making, musical performances, educational sessions and much more.

Artists will have five scenic locations in which to paint: Ajax Mountain, Snowmass Mountain, Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, and the Aspen Art Museum Grounds.

The $30 competition registration fee includes a coupon code for entry to the “Into the Woods – The 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree Juried Art Exhibition” and gondola rides to select locations.

The paint-out session runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other events are open and free to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. For more information on the paint-out event, please see www.capitolchristmastree2012.com.

Filed under: arts and film, Colorado, events, public lands, US Forest Service Tagged: | Arts, Aspen, Colorado, Forest Service, national christmas tree, painting, plein air