If you’re taking a hike (or just a leisurely walk) in a Jeffco park this week, it’s likely you’ll stumble upon an artist at work—or 27. Tuesday, October 4, marks the first day of In Plein Sight, a brand-new outdoor painting event. Plein air (“open air”) painters from around the country—including 25 from Colorado—will set up in a different Jefferson County Open Space park every day, working from 7 a.m. until dusk. And you’ll be able to buy those just-created works the following weekend.

If you want to catch them at work, the schedule is as follows: South Valley Park (October 4), Mount Falcon Park (October 5), Crown Hill Park (October 6), White Ranch Park (October 7), and along the Clear Creek Trail in Golden (west from the corner of 10th Street and Washington Ave, October 8).

Every painting will be displayed at the Golden Community Center on Saturday, October 8, and Sunday, October 9 (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and they’ll all be for sale. Some of the artists will produce several pieces in a single day, so the final artwork tally may reach into the hundreds. And because the painters will still be creating on Saturday, it’s worth stopping by both days: New works will be added for the final day. “There should be a little something for everyone, in a range of affordable prices,” said Margot Zallen, Plan Jeffco president, in a release.

The event is the brainchild of Plan Jeffco, a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that’s been advocating for the preservation and conservation of open space land in the county for more than 40 years; a portion of proceeds from artwork sales benefit the group’s education efforts.

Before fall’s chilly temps really take over, enjoy this opportunity to get outside and engage with artists in their element.

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.