A call to artists currently is available for “Affair En Plein Air,” a two-day outdoor juried painting experience with partner Grove House Artists at the Deering Estate at Cutler, on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan, 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Judging will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The event is juried by Dan Bondroff. Competitive and non-competitive categories for adults and high school students are available. Monetary and non-monetary prizes will be awarded by a juror.
Costs are $35 for adult registration fee for Non-GroveHouse Artists (up to 2 pieces); $25 for adult registration fee for GroveHouse Artists members (up to 2 pieces); $25 for high school students, grades 9-12, with one chaperone (up to 2 pieces), and $15 for non-competitive entry fee for adults and high school students (one- or two-day participation). Light snacks, coffee and water will be provided, but participants should bring a lunch and all supplies.
Artists interested in participating in the two-day outdoor juried painting event must complete an application available on the Deering Estate website. The entry form and registration fee must be returned to GroveHouse Artists by Thursday, Jan. 8. For more information contact Barbara Tejada at 305-979-9534 or by email at grooveygrove39@gmail.com.
Bondroff was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. He received his art education at Towson University (Class of 1994) and also studied drawing and oil painting at the Schuler School of Art. After working for seven years as a fulltime graphic designer in the Baltimore-Washington area, it was time for a change. He moved to Miami in 2003, and made the leap to become a fulltime visual artist. Upon moving to Miami, Bondroff completely immersed himself in the art scene. He joined local artist organizations, became a resident artist at the Bakehouse Art Complex, and managed the resident artist program at Café TuTu Tango in Coconut Grove.
During the next five years he transitioned from gallery sales to outdoor art festivals. Today he participates in 20-25 shows a year. He has won many awards and has more than 1,000 original pieces hanging in the homes and offices of collectors from around the world. Most of Bondroff’s work is created in soft pastel. He also has created works in charcoal, watercolor, ink, pencil, and oil. His newest series of work is in mixed media using mostly soft pastel and a collage of decorative papers. Over the years about half of Dan’s work has been created en plein air.
Chosen as 2013 Program Partner of the year by the Deering Estate Foundation, GroveHouse Artists is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, cooperative organization with a purpose to provide venues for local artists to exhibit their original art work. Under the direction of Barbara Tejada, GroveHouse Artists strive to establish a community forum for awareness and participation in the arts and the art experience by presenting cultural programs, presentations, and exhibits that are open and free to the public.
The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami- Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit www.deeringestate.org.
