For the first time, the Avalon Theatre will be transformed into an Information Center & Artists’ Gallery and will feature an exhibition of work from the 58 competition artists for the entire week, July 14-20!
According to Rose Doster, the Plein Air volunteer in charge of operating the Information center (formerly at Red Hen), “Over the years visitors would come to the event in the beginning of the week and ask what to do.  Of course, in the beginning of the week the artists are painting throughout Talbot County.  We have a map showing where artists are painting but if you don’t already know whose work you like, it’s hard to know who you want to find. The new exhibition space will make a major improvement for the visitor experience.”
In addition to comprehensive information about the festival and the many events sponsored by galleries and other arts organizations, the Avalon will serve as a great place to drop by for coffee, a cocktail or a quick bite. Rise Up Coffee is serving coffee, smoothies, and pastries all day. At 11am Bannings is offering a lite fare menu inside of the gallery which includes sandwiches and salads. One of the things that makes Plein Air Easton special for the competing artists is the camaraderie they find with other artists and the public.  With comfortable seating and refreshments many artists have used the Information Center as home base between their morning and evening paintings, so dropping by the Information center throughout the week is a great way to meet the artists and learn about their work.
According to Events Manager, Jenn Wagner, “Whether you want the inside track on the painters and the serendipitous fun that they bring to town or wind up making lifelong friendships, it happens in the less structured times and in spaces like the new Artists’ Gallery.“
The design work for the space was done by Easton resident and national museum designer, Patrick Rogan of Assemble. Rogan’s design starts outside and includes interpretive panels in the lobby that tell the story of plein air painting. The main exhibit will transform the theatre with large projected panels to show video from all over the county, bringing the landscapes and scenery that is central to plein air painting into the building.  Café and lounge space will be throughout the area.
The Artists Gallery and Information Center was inspired by and made possible through a generous grant from Doris & Bill Nielsen.