Plein air paint-out, prizes and safety concerns outlined for July 19 event

The Snoqualmie Arts Commission reviewed planning details for its annual plein air paint-out, set for July 19, including competition format, prizes and on-the-ground logistics.

Commissioners said artists will likely check in around 9:30 a.m., paint on location and return work by roughly 2–2:30 p.m. A jury will score entries using a points system; commissioners described previous prize levels as $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. The commission also discussed offering a youth category for artists 12–18 with smaller prizes or gift certificates.

Commissioner Yuji, identified in the meeting as a practicing plein air artist, said she would be disqualified from judging the competition but could still serve as boots-on-the-ground to help run the event. Commissioners said they plan to use City Hall as a centralized check-in location because it provides bathrooms and an indoor fallback if the weather is poor.

The group also discussed marketing: the commission plans to use the winning artist’s work from the prior year, referencing Cheryl Comstock’s 2024 entry, in promotional materials for 2025.

Commissioners raised a public-safety concern after the paint-out coincides with a busy “Thomas the Train” weekend and heavy pedestrian traffic to view the cherry trees. One commissioner suggested asking the street department to consider temporary road closures on weekends because photographers and visitors were entering roadways to take pictures under the tree canopy.

The commission agreed to continue planning and finalize operational details in May and June; several commissioners volunteered to help with on-site tasks during the event.