Join the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum at Saginaw Valley State University on September 9 as they host “Campus of Colors: A Plein Air Event,”  complimenting both the current exhibition “Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor” and the 60th Anniversary of Saginaw Valley State University. Event participants are encouraged to stroll the award-winning campus while watching artists in action as their art takes shape before their eyes.

Plein air or ‘En Plein Air’ is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to artists working in an outdoor setting with the surrounding nature being the subject of their artwork.

“We invite all artists, art enthusiasts and anyone who loves being creative to participate in this wonderful event,” states Erin Pilarski, Community Relations & Marketing Manager at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. She continues, “This is a new event for the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. I could not imagine a better time for us to host Campus of Colors. Not only are we welcoming the talented Rose Chiu to be an exhibiting artist from August 12 through September 9, but we are also celebrating a big campus anniversary – 60 years. Participants will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves with the beauty and create wonderful pieces of art around this celebrated campus.”

The Museum’s “Campus of Colors: A Plein Air Event” includes two fun opportunities for visitors to participate in. They include:

1. Plein Air Competition: 1st Prize - $500, 2nd Prize - $300, 3rd Prize - $100. Check-in begins at 8:00 am, plein air painting 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. The competition is free to viewers, $20 for competing artists and $5 for competing students (up to three canvases). Pre-registration is required to be included in the competition and is due by August 25, 2023. All registered participants must bring their own supplies and equipment. Blank canvases used for the competition will be stamped upon check in on event day to ensure all artists are starting with blank canvases. To register, please visit: https://marshallfredericks.org/campusofcolors/
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2. Plein Air Demonstration: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Free to all participants. Internationally celebrated and exhibiting artist and Rose Chiu will lead the demonstration with a discussion on how to select a location for the perfect composition, compositional design, color scheme, vantage point, perspective, focal point, and more. After the discussion, the participants can start to paint their own compositions in the beautiful outdoor setting. Following the demonstration, Rose Chiu will be available to sign her new book celebrating her special exhibition. Books are available for purchase in the museum shop.

For further details on “Campus of Colors: Plein Air Event,” the competition rules and how to sign-up, please visit us at: https://marshallfredericks.org/campusofcolors/

Plein Air Competition winners will be announced during a special closing reception for “Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor” on September 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  All works submitted in the competition will be available for sale. Advanced registration to attend the closing reception is required and can be made by calling the museum at 989-964-7125.

Museum visitors will have one last opportunity to see the “Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor” Exhibition as September 9 will be its final day for viewing. “Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor” is a retrospective exhibition featuring internationally celebrated artist from Taiwan, Rose Chiu. It is a captivating 50-year exploration of not only one of the oldest forms of traditional art still made, Chinese brush art, but also an evolution of a singular artist's creative journey throughout the stages of her life.

About the Exhibiting Artist:
Rose Chiu (Hsiu-Hsia Chen Chiu) earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Fine Arts Department of the National Taiwan Normal University. She has explored Chinese painting for more than 50 years and has been engaged in art education for 30 years, teaching both elementary and high school students as well as adults. Rose Chiu thrives on creation. She has stated that “creation is a joyful thing.” This exhibition, “Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor,” reflects the expression of her emotions and personal beliefs through the versatile medium of watercolor painting.

Exhibition Credits: The exhibition is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, a sister school to Saginaw Valley State University. It is a fitting contribution to the celebration of SVSU's 60th anniversary, further enhancing the festivities and fostering cross-cultural appreciation.

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, call (989) 964-7125 or visit the Museum’s website at www.marshallfredericks.org.