January 5-9, 2011

The second annual "en plein air" competition and exhibition to benefit the Cape Coral Community Foundation, is scheduled for January 5th - 9th, 2011. The outdoor painting event coincides with the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts and features local and national artists painting on Wednesday, January 5th and Thursday, January 6th at designated public locations around Cape Coral.  "People love to watch the artists work.  Most have never seen a work of art in progress.  And, the artists enjoy it as well," said event coordinator, Shirley Hales.

Finished artwork will be displayed and available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday, January 8th and January 9th at the Pavilion at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral.  Proceeds from the sale of the work go to the artist and to the Cape Coral Community Foundation.  The Foundation, a 501 (C) 3 charitable organization, provides valuable assistance and services to the local community.

Artists also compete for top prizes and recognition for their artistic efforts.  Winners are announced at an awards reception on Saturday evening January 8th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  This year, there are three new categories of awards:  "Best of the Cape" selected by the competition judge for the best painting of a Cape Coral icon; "People's Choice" voted by the public; and "Artist's Choice, selected by the participating artists.

A free wine tasting is offered on Saturday and Sunday and plans are being developed for a "Quick Draw" paint out on Saturday afternoon.

All events take place at Cape Harbour and reception tickets are available for $15 per person through the Cape Coral Community Foundation, the Harbour View Gallery and at the Cape Harbour Sales Center.

The January 2010 event attracted 26 artists from as far away as the Florida Keys, Maryland and Illinois with over $3,000 raised for programs supported by the Foundation.  Artists interested in applying for the 2011 Paint the Cape juried competition and art supporters wanting information about sponsorship opportunities should call the Cape Coral Community Foundation at (239) 542-5594 or visit the Paint the Cape website:  www.paintthecape.com  Many thanks to Happenings Magazine, iberia Bank, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A and TIB Bank for their early sponsorship of the 2011 Paint the Cape.

Organizing partners of Paint the Cape include: the Cape Coral Community Foundation, the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, Realmark Development, LLC;  the Harbour View Gallery, LLC;  and the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts.