This year, the Plein Air Weekend once again formed part of the beloved Le Weekend festival, which takes place every year. Born out of a desire to celebrate our proximity to France and our appreciation of all things French, Le Weekend has transformed into a much-loved family-friendly celebration. This year, it took on a medieval twist, offering attendees captivating medieval life and combat demonstrations. Visitors were treated to a range of crafts, including displays by a blacksmith, a scribe, the first printing press, wheat weaving, coin striking, medieval traders, and many more.
The weekend commenced with enthusiastic participants registering between 9:30 and 11:00 AM, eager to set up their easels and artistic materials. Artists had the freedom to paint wherever their creativity took them, allowing for a diverse array of artworks inspired by Sandwich’s stunning surroundings. Some artists enjoyed working over both days, while others chose to come along on the Saturday or the Sunday, resulting in a delightful variety of art throughout the event.
This year, we were thrilled to welcome new members to our society, some of whom participated for the first time. Their enthusiasm breathed fresh life into the event and enriched the experience for all involved. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the chance to connect with fellow artists and share their artistic journeys.
At the EKAS Pop-up Gallery gazebo, our participating members displayed up to two previously completed works, highlighting the impressive talent within our ranks. Artists could replace any unsold pieces with new works created throughout the weekend, further celebrating the spirit of creativity.