As the sun peeked through the clouds, the water in the pond stood still, the birds chirped melodiously, the rocks stood rich and the colours popped from every corner, the first Plein Air painting event commenced at the former Ontario Reformatory.
Approximately 20 individuals gathered at 785 York Rd. to sketch, paint and shoot photographs inspired by the heritage landscape of the former Ontario reformatory on Sept. 8.
Individuals brought their canvases, paint, and easels and pencils ready to illustrate anything that captured their eye.
The second Plein Air event will take place on Sept. 15 at noon.
The event organized by artists Sharyn Seibert and Pat Flood was a way to encourage artists in the area regardless of the profession to come out and capture the beauty of the former reformatory while enjoying nature.
“I think it is very therapeutic. It is uplifting. No matter what mood you come here, you are enriched by this environment and its changing you. You can come here 365 days a year and it will always be different. So it's very stimulating. It's very nourishing,” said Seibert.
She says it is especially important as many people are disconnected from nature.
“Just being on the soil, there are so many microbes that are very healing and they are very important for human beings to be on the earth and not to be always surrounded by concrete or in front of screens.”
Flood said the event is open to anyone regardless of their profession.
Participants from the event have the option to submit their artwork for the Artspiration show in October where their art pieces will be auctioned.
Seibert says 80 per cent of the proceeds will go to the artists and 20 per cent of the proceeds will go directly to support the not for profit Yorklands Green Hub which wants to purchase 70 acres of the former reformatory in order to host environmental activities, foster sustainable agriculture, and build an interpretive centre among other things.
“We are overjoyed with the number of people who have come out today. Hopefully, the word will get around next weekend and we will have even more people and it will enable our show to be an even greater success than it has been in the past,” said Seibert.
