Plein Air Painting at The Bay: Joseph Melancon

Capture Sarasota’s picture-perfect beauty by learning and enhancing your Plein Air Painting skills at The Bay — the beloved blue and green oasis near the heart of downtown.

By definition, “plein air" painting means "painting in the open air.” Under the watchful eye and gentle instruction of one of ’s talented artists, explore and capture the many inspiring elements of The Bay -- resilient shorelines, stunning coastal views of Sarasota Bay, thriving native trees and plants, as well as architectural structures and historical buildings found throughout the site.

For beginners and experienced artists alike. 

Supplies are provided for FREE for beginners. For those more experienced, feel free to bring your own.

This is intended to be a ONE-TIME class and is not an ongoing series of classes.

Please refrain from registering for multiple dates to ensure there is enough space (and supplies) to accommodate everyone who is interested in this special opportunity.

Due to popular demand, registrations are accepted only eight weeks in advance.

Event sold out? Please consider these options:

• Check back online closer to the event to see if cancellations result in openings, or
• Stop by The Nest before 10am the morning of a scheduled Plein Air Painting event to see if there are any “no-shows.” 

IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE: Space is very limited and due to popular demand, there is a growing waitlist. As a courtesy to other park guests, please quickly cancel your Eventbrite reservation if you are no longer able to attend so your spot can be released to someone else.

Know Before You Go:

• Meet at The Nest Café at The Bay park (1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236).
• Free parking is located along Blvd of the Arts and Van Wezel Way (excluding Oct 18-20), in front of the Van Wezel and the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236). Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.
• Bring your own lawn chair to ensure a comfortable seat.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to help keep The Bay green. A water station is available near The Nest Café.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Protect yourself from the sun – wear SPF/ UV protection, sunglasses and a hat.
• All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.
• Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.

Location changes or cancellations will be communicated via ,, and up to one hour before start time as unpredictable Florida weather changes quickly.

About Featured Artist:

Joseph was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His youthful exploration and passionate observations of the swamps and bayous of his native Louisiana predicted what was to become his lifelong interest in our natural world. Melacon graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from LSU and an MFA in painting and drawing from Texas Woman's University. Joseph's paintings have been widely exhibited in the United States and have won many awards including the National and American watercolor societies annuals. He was featured in American Artist Magazine and the art books Splash 3 and Splash 5; 200 Great Painting Ideas and The Creative Edge. Melancon continues to paint, teach and marvel at the wonders of our natural world. Some of Joseph's favorite artists include Homer, the Wyeths, deKooning, Sargent, Diebenkorn, Thiebaud, Van Gogh, Matisse and Rauschenberg.

About

Founded in 1926, Art Center Sarasota serves as the first and oldest visual arts organization in Sarasota. Art Center Sarasota is admission-free and open to the public; our mission is to bring together creatives and the broader public to increase understanding of our human condition, support wellbeing, and build community connection through the universal language of art.

Host or Publisher The Bay Park Conservancy