Summary of the Plein Air Monterey Project
- Create a World-class Plein Air Competition: Build a highly respected competition that excellent artists respect and want to compete in.
- Artist-Centric Mission: Addresses the “gatekeeper tax” (high fees and commissions) that currently makes painting the Monterey coastline financially unsustainable for many artists.
- The “La Pintura” Concept: The guiding principle are contained in a revolutionary competition model designed to prioritize the creator over the middleman.
- No-Risk Entry: Artists who are not selected for the competition receive a full refund of their entry fee (with an option to donate it).
- Zero Commission: Unlike traditional galleries that take up to 50%, this model ensures 100% of every sale goes directly to the artist.
- Foundation Partnerships: The initiative seeks local businesses to sponsor operational costs to fund and maintain this ethical, community-oriented, artist-owned ecosystem.
A Competition that Puts the Artist First
Monterey is the most painted coastline in the world, yet the artists who preserve its beauty are facing a ‘gatekeeper tax’ that is becoming unsustainable. Between non-refundable entry fees and 50% gallery commissions, the people capturing our landscape are often the ones least compensated for it.
Plein Air Monterey competition will follow a special set of rules designed the serve the artist first. We call this concept La Pintura.
The Solution:
We are working to implement the La Pintura concept using the Plein Air Monterey competition as our test, to work out the kinks, and perfect a viable competition that serves the artist and the public. This idea is ground-breaking, a revolutionary, ‘Artist-First’ competition model based on two radical rules and nine principles:
The Primary Rules
- No-Risk Entry: If an artist isn’t selected, their entry fee is returned. Artists may donate their fee if they choose.
- Zero Commission: 100% of every sale goes directly to the creator.
The Nine Principles
- The artist comes first in every consideration.
- No fees or commissions shall be collected from artists.
- Every aspect of the competition must be meticulous and economical.
- The organization must provide housing and transportation upon request.
- The competition uses a two-tiered entry (invited and juried artists).
- Demos and workshops must be free and held outdoors.
- All funding comes from the community, sponsors, and grants.
- Artists are juried in by a panel of reputable experts.
- Judging is conducted by a sequestered panel of expert judges.
We are removing the middleman to ensure that the culture of the Monterey Peninsula remains vibrant, ethical, and artist-owned.
We Need Your Support
We aren’t looking for traditional ‘charity.’ We are looking for Foundation Partners—local businesses who want to be seen as the backbone of this movement. By sponsoring the ‘Return Fund’ or ‘Operational Costs,’ you allow us to keep the 0% commission promise alive. You get the prestige of the Monterey art world, and our artists get to keep the fruits of their labor.
Express Your Interest in Plein Air Monterey
If you are intrigued about this project, let us know. No obligation. We will send you occasional updates and you can always unsubscribe.
