Story and photos by Floyd and Kathy Miller

On Thursday, April 27, you may have noticed one of the 66 artists who came to town with the Augusta Plein Air for the New Melle “Paint Out.” Over 30 businesses and residents invited the artist to their properties to paint, or they could choose to paint any scene around New Melle.
Artists registered at The Quarry Wine Garden and had the afternoon to paint, and then returned with their paintings for judging. There were two prizes awarded. The first was “Sponsor's Choice,” which was Don Meyer of Peoples Savings Bank. Don thanked the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce for inviting New Melle to be a part of the 20th Plein Air Festival this year. This is the 7th year New Melle has participated.

Don thanked the New Melle Chamber of Commerce and The Quarry Wine Garden for hosting the event . He thanked all the artists that attended and for the public coming out to support the event. The sponsor’s choice was “Spring on the Homestead” – by Todd Schabel. The Judges' Choice was selected by award-winning artist and teacher John Lasater. John’s choice was “D Creek” – by Zak Barnes.

In total, there were 29 paintings sold for a total of over $11,000 in sales at the New Melle event alone. There was a large crowd at The Quarry Wine Garden. The community did an outstanding job coming out and supporting the artists. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting this spectacular event together. To read more about the Augusta Plein Air Festival, click here.  

Winners and judges of the New Melle Paint Out - From left
Judge - John Lasater,
Winner of Sponsor's Choice – Todd Schabel,
Winner of Judge's Choice -  Zak Barnes,
Sponsor Judge Don Meyer of People Savings Bank.

Todd Schabel at the Busdieker/Freese Homestead. Todd won Sponsor’s Choice.

Tammie Dickerson painting the side of the Brakensiek Barn along Sneak Rd. 

Susan Rogers found the perfect model at Quarry Wine Garden.

Rhonda Pepmiller has participated in all 20 Augusta Plein Air Festivals.
She is painting at Callaway Lake.

Larry Siwek working on his 2nd painting at Quarry Wine Garden.

Melinda McIntosh of Central Illinois, painting the
“Butler Bros. Store” on Mill Street.

Michelle Krute (R) with her apprentice Brooklyn (L) at Follmer Lake off Sneak Rd.    

Naomi Tiry Salgado, capturing lunch at Liz's.

Janice Burkemper at the Brakensiek Barn along Sneak Rd.

Jane Shank at the Judd lake off Norwegian Woods Lane.
Inset – framed painting at judging.

Denny Dowdy at the Busdieker/Freese Homestead.
Inset – framed painting at judging.

Daniel Driggs painting Straatmann Feed. Inset – framed painting at judging.

Amy Jamison, capturing the view at Callaway Lake.

 

Beth Megelsh found a perfect spot to paint at Callaway Lake.

On the dock at Callaway Lake, Caroline Goldsmith.

Painting Straatmann Feed – Chris Sheppard.

PSB employees, from left, Becky Kavanagh, Jeannie Hill and
Michelle Wiese pouring complimentary glasses of wine for the
artists and chamber members.