On Thursday, April 30, as part of the 23rd Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, nearly 80 artists came to New Melle for a “Paint Out.” The artists checked in at The Quarry before heading out on a beautiful day to paint a spot or two around New Melle. They could paint from 1 to 5:30 p.m., with judging beginning at 6 p.m.
Hundreds of people filled The Quarry, 3960 Hwy Z, to view and purchase paintings and to congratulate the winners. All of the paintings from the day, as well as others from the festival, were available for purchase.
There were so many exceptional paintings this year that four honorable mentions were awarded, in addition to the Judge’s Choice and Sponsor’s Choice Awards. A special award honoring the late Dianne Sudbrock was also presented this year. The New Melle Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce contributed $500 collectively toward a special award in her honor. She was a longtime supporter of the New Melle Paint Out, the former editor of the Boone Country Connection, and one of the founders of the New Melle Chamber of Commerce. Through her work with the Chambers and the Boone Country Connection, Dianne demonstrated her deep devotion to this event and the community. Both chambers wanted to recognize her dedication and the many years of hard work she devoted to it.
Denny Dowdy was awarded this honor for his painting “Dianne's Farm.” The winning painting was chosen by Dianne’s husband, Roger Sudbrock, and her daughter, Dawn Steffens. The painting is what Dawn refers to as "their home away from home." The farm sits along Hwy Z as you come into New Melle. The family has kept cattle and farmed the land for years. Dawn said they chose this painting because it offered a different perspective on the farmhouse, the farm, and the beautiful view. Dianne’s family and friends were among the crowd.
The New Melle and Augusta Chambers would like to thank all the artists for participating, the event-goers for their support, and The Quarry for hosting.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Winners From the New Melle Paint Out
Honorable Mention Winner
Allison Laupp "Quarry Path"
Honorable Mention Winner
Gino Santa Maria for "Old Red"
Honorable Mention Winner
JQ Luan for "IHM Church
Cemetery"
Honorable Mention Winner
George Rhys for "No Trespassing"
Judge's Choice winner
(L) Zach Barnes for "Barn Time".
Sponsor's Choice winner Mike Phelps (L)
for "Roots Run Deep" with
(R) Don Meyer, with PSB Bank.
(L-R) The Special Dianne Sudbrock Memorial
Award went to Denny Dowdy for his painting
"Dianne's Farm," with Dawn Steffens and
Roger Sudbrock, Dianne's daughter
and husband.
Artists Painting Throughout New Melle
Tony Dimattia is painting the New Melle water tower. 
Jeffrey Baumgartner's painting of the Bavarian Smoke Haus.
Derek Fox is painting a barn along Foristell Rd. 
Jan Trager chose to paint along Foristell Rd. 
Konstantin Kublanov chose a quiet spot at IHM Church. 
Larry Siwek painting an old farmhouse along Foristell Rd. 
Painters at The Quarry. 
Antoinette Elgin (L) and Julia Welge (R) with Antoinette's
painting of 1860 Schulhaus.