This August, KT Gallery is excited to announce Plein Air Helper!, an esteemed art competition set against the stunning backdrop of Carbon County. In conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the Helper Arts Festival, this celebration of art seeks to connect Carbon County with the rich community of artists we are proud to showcase.

Plein Air painting, while conceptually simple, offers a deep and enriching artistic experience to both artist and collector. Over four days, artists will explore Carbon County to visually interpret the essence of our breathtaking landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

This year, we welcome Vermont artist Charlie Hunter as our distinguished juror. His discerning eye and unparalleled expertise will ensure a fair and inspiring competition. Charlie is a nationally recognized painter of the post-pastoral American landscape. His distinctive, low-chroma work, heavily reliant on a mastery of values, edges and composition, utilizes a variety of moderately unorthodox techniques. His work has been featured in numerous art and lifestyle publications, is in multiple collections and museums, and was the recent subject of a one-man show, SEMAPHORE, curated by fellow artist Eric Aho. In 2022 Hunter scored a trifecta of sorts, winning the Grand Prize at Plein Air Easton, First Place at Door County Plein Air, and Best Body of Work (Artists’ Choice Award) at Smoky Mountains Plein Air. With painter and designer Larry Moore, Hunter created the En Train Air painting train, and Hunter’s weekly live stream, REASONABLY FINE ART TALKS, has a fervent following. Despite these achievements, Hunter’s cats remain surprisingly unimpressed, and merely wish he would provide more of “the gud fud.”

Whether you are a seasoned artist seeking new horizons or simply wishing to experience Helper's beauty through new eyes, save the date for August (14-17) and prepare to immerse yourself in the creativity of Carbon County. To view the full prospectus, CLICK HERE.

Charlie Hunter in his Vermont Studio — Charlie Hunter (VT)