Artists Day at Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury

Artists are invited for the Fifth Annual Artists' Day at Flander's Nature Center in Woodbury on Saturday, Sept. 10.  Artists are invited to draw inspiration, sketch or create work en plein air on the grounds.  These works or works inspired by Flanders and done anytime before or after Artists' Day will be received on Oct. 6 for a show at the Woodbury Public Library.

Participants are welcome all day, with light refreshments, a map of the center and check-in available at the Flanders Welcome Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 11.

Artists will have several weeks during which to create or finish work before the Flanders Artists' Day exhibit that will be held on Oct. 8 through 30 at the Woodbury Library.  Work for the show will be received at the library on Thursday Oct. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. Artists Peter Seltzer will judge the artwork and cash prizes will be given, including the Natalie Van Vleck Best in Show award.  Other cash awards will be for best work in the following categories:  "Farm" including animals, agricultural crops and machinery; "Nature" including landscapes and natural habitats; and "Structures," including barns and houses on the property. 

The public is invited to a wine and cheese artists' reception at the library on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. Artists Day follows the tradition of founder of the center, Natalie Van Vleck, an early Modernist artist whose paintings and drawings were very original and ahead of her time.  Ms. Van Vleck was also an accomplished gardner and livestock farmer who raised prize winning sheep and turkeys. 

Pre-registration is requested by calling Flanders Nature Center at 203-263-3711, ext. 10.  Flanders Nature Center is located 5 Church Hill Road in Woodbury.   On Artists' Day, participants are asked to check-in at Flanders' Welcome Center to register and to receive a map and information on Artists' Day and the planned exhibit.  There is a $10 registration fee.