<p>"Heron Platter," a raku-fired ceramic by Dave and Boni Deal, who show at White Bird Gallery. The gallery will have an artists' reception 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 for the Deals and Christopher Mathie; the three artists' work will be on display through Aug. 4.</p>

Plein Air (French for open air) painting became popular in the late 19th century in both Europe and America when paint manufacturers made a wide range of pre-mixed oil pigments available for the first time, and the easily transportable box easel was developed. Artists could finally take their work into the field with ease and record a fleeting moment en plein air. The artist could, as Monet wrote, paint the air in which are situated the bridge, the home, the boat.

These artists paint in natural light, using color to define form. Plein air artists generally lay down a scene with quick, broad, colorful brush strokes, foregoing the typical building up of paint. Depending on the light and weather, plein air paintings are generally done in one session. Artists often add final touches to their work once back in the studio.

Cannon Beachs first Plein Air & More event took place June 27, 2009. It included 15 artists represented by Cannon Beach art galleries. This year, the fifth anniversary of Plein Air & More, more than 50 artists from 12 galleries will participate in this citywide event, says Kim Barnett, owner of Bronze Coast Gallery. The fact that there are artists everywhere makes the entire city a studio one that everyone may enjoy. These intrepid artists will be found on the sidewalk, on side streets, on the beach and anywhere else you might imagine and they wont be daunted by weather, whatever Mother Nature might send.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Friday night, June 28, there will be a Meet and Greet opening party at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce building on 2nd and Spruce streets, where a group show will take place. Southwest Art magazine will present awards for Best Plein Air painting and the Best & More offering. The public is invited to cast votes for a Peoples Choice Award.

On Saturday and Sunday, artists will create art on location around town, and their work will be showcased at receptions Saturday evening at various galleries (some with live music) and on Sunday at the Chamber of Commerce, with catering by Sweet Basil Cafe and wine from the Wine Shack.

In addition, Michael Orwick and Eric Jacobsen will conduct a Painting Coastal Color and Light workshop from June 24 to June 28 at the Ocean Lodge, 2864 S. Pacific St. For more information visit MichaelOrwick.com

Galleries will include the following featured artists and additional artists. Consult the map and schedule found in the galleries and at the Chamber of Commerce for the latest information:

Bronze Coast Gallery: Jacques and Mary Regat, who used to sculpt alone but now work together, will show large-scale work that reflects studies in Alaska, Central and South America, and France. Linda Prokop portrays the human form in an abstract manner, showing struggle and perseverance in her sculptures. Donnie Wanner is a highly skilled artist specializing in metal wall sculptures of landscapes, regional scenes and automobiles.

Cannon Beach Gallery: Janet Blands work is a response to what she sees every day at the beach: moist coastal light, the ocean, the beach, the tide and clouds such regular occurrences, so dependable, so different, always a surprise. Marilyn Joyces current project emphasizes the way nature provides healing of the landscape and its inhabitants – even humans.

Dragonfire Gallery: Anton Pavlenko, self-taught and inspired by the natural world, began creating art by drawing Russian cartoon characters before he immigrated. Michael Orwick is a landscape artist who shows us compelling views of our world as it moves beyond time and place: impressionistic, serene and unpredictable.

George Vetter Fotoart: George Vetter is Cannon Beachs own photographer. He records, as only he can, all the important events that take place in our town. He came here in 1977, and since then his library of digital images has grown to more than 100,000. His image, titled Clarks View is an 8-foot-high wall mural installed in the Great Falls, Mont., Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Haystack Gallery: Janis Ellisons love of nature and the outdoors is perfect for painting en plein air. She finds endless inspiration for her work in southern Oregon. Sally ONeill has been involved in some aspect of the arts all of her life. En plein air and in the studio she expresses her art with light, color and atmosphere. Pat Lambrecht-Hould now works exclusively in mixed media, using layers of texture on a gold-leafed surface.

Icefire Glassworks: Jim Kingwell has his glass pieces in all 50 states and more than 40 countries. His latest work offers a fabulous array of colors and forms. Suzanne Kindland brings forth objects reminiscent more of water than fire: cool, smooth, bending the light calm creations that transmit light. Pamela Juett has found her niche in flameworking, making beads that become stunning pieces of wearable art. She will take custom orders during Plein Air & More.

Jeffrey Hull Gallery: Jeffrey Hull began his painting career 40 years ago as a resident of Cannon Beach. He is well known for his ability to capture the beauty and moods of the places where water meets land, and he is a signature member of the prestigious American Society of Marine Artists.

Modern Villa Gallery: Mary McInnis works both in oils and pastels, now dividing her time between the two. She has recently spent most of her time en plain air.

Northwest by Northwest Gallery: Georgia Gerbers bronze sculptures are found in many Northwest public places, including Seattles Pike Place Market. She uses the traditional lost wax technique to bring forth the essence of her subjects. Eric Jacobsen is an award-winning oil painter whose work has appeared in many magazines, including Southwest Art and Art & Antiques. He loves to paint seascapes in Cannon Beach. Other demonstrating artists include Cannon Beach native Hazel Schlesinger, college professor Ken Klos and OPB TV feature artist Cathleen Rehfeld.

Primary Elements Gallery: The tireless Stephanie Ansley, owner of the gallery, will showcase the work of 19 artists this year, among them: Marianne Post, who has a painterly impressionistic style; Rob Ramage, who sees nature as a way to clear out everyday clutter; and Heather Soderberg, who was a child prodigy whose work was featured in People magazine and National Geographic. She has bought the foundry where she works and moved it to the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

Sharon Amber Fine Jewelry: Sharon Amber is best known for her jewelry designs, pieces that incorporate local gems carved into mermaids, seascapes and faces. During Plein Air & More, she will carve local sandstone or marble into images related to the sea outside her gallery.

White Bird Gallery: Pamela Wachtler-Fermanis paints en plein air to capture the fleeting qualities of light and the immediacy of the moment. Christopher Mathie is a treat to watch because of his fast-paced, high-energy painting technique. He paints confidently, out of long experience, deconstructing images to their essence. Dave and Boni Deal have collaborated in clay for more than 30 years, working in raku since the 1970s. They will do a raku firing on the beach.

With so many fabulous artists to watch, so many receptions to attend and so many galleries to visit, anyone who comes to Cannon Beach during Plein Air & More will be endlessly fascinated, surprised and entertained.