PLEIN AIR SCHEDULE

WINTER 2012

 Please note that this schedule is subject to change.  The majority of these locations are by invitation; therefore, it is for members only.   At the public locations, you could bring a guest if you wish. 

 We will begin at 9:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted.  Bring a bag lunch, any materials you may need, including easel, stool/chair and water.  Please bring a bag for your own trash to take home with you.  We want to leave the property as clean as we find it. Most locations offer bathroom facilities.  When we paint at a location that sells lunches, we request that you buy your lunch there as a ‘thank you’ to the facility.

 Please wear your name tags which will identify you as members of the Art Guild.  As always, park where we won’t be taking prime spots from paying customers at public locations and where we will not inconvenience the owners or neighbors at private locations.

 Carpool whenever possible.

 January 11^th, —The Hilton Grande Hotel is located at MM 96.5 on the bayside.  Traveling south on Overseas Hwy., it is well marked with a large sign at the entrance.  We are invited to photograph, sketch and paint anywhere on the property as long as we don’t disturb the hotel guests (don’t photograph or sketch them.)  Check out the entire lay-out before deciding where to be creative.  There are two beach areas, two small gorgeous swimming pools with grotto rock waterfalls and cascading flowers.  One of the beaches has picturesque lounge chairs for the guests and a tiki hut bar and restaurant.  One of the pools has a bar and restaurant.  There are meandering boardwalks weaving through mangrove forests.  Quite spectacular!

 If you want an aerial view, take the steps to the upper level on the waterside of the hotel.  There is also a long dock with boats and views of parasailing.

 This property is breathtakingly beautiful!  Don’t miss this magnificent opportunity.

 The bathroom facility is in the lobby area.  The gift shop is also there, past the main desk.  We are welcome from 9:30 AM until late afternoon.

 January 18^th (rain date Jan. 25)—The Jon Landau Property is located on the ocean side at 89301 Old Overseas Hwy, Tavernier (on Plantation Key).  Traveling southwest on OSH from Key Largo, it is just a few miles south.  At MM 89.3 (at Coral Shores High School) turn left at the light at Woods Avenue to go to Old Overseas Hwy.  Turn right onto Old OSH and look for 89301.

 Jon Landau is the movie producer of Titanic and Avatar which are the two most financially successful films of all time.  The property is on “Millionaire’s Row” on the ocean with a very long dock.  It is beyond description!  Take a look at the entire area outside the resort-size house before deciding where to stop to be creative.  There are wandering lanes, orchid trellises, a topical fish pond, pools, a tennis court, amazing artwork etched into glass walls, tropical landscaping beyond belief and a magnificent view of the house from the dock!  There is much much more, but you will want to discover it all for yourself. 

 We are invited to take pictures for personal reference only.  They are NOT to be published in any manner!  We may sketch and paint from 10:00 AM until we are ready to leave (never!)  Bring your lunch. You won’t want to miss this one!  It’s the greatest ever!

 January 25th—Murray Nelson park, Key Largo (or rain date for Landau property)

 February 15^th—The Gerry Droney Property is located at 92610 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier at MM 92.6 bayside.  It is just north of the Elk’s property.  This delightful spot is a piece of history and time past in the Keys.  The private property of Wendy and Gerry Droney, it is secluded, quiet and very tropical.

 There is a large parking area as you enter what appears to be an ancient coral quarry lavishly covered with Bougainvillea and native flora.  Park there and venture through the native landscape created by Mr. Droney, a nurseryman and lover of all plants native to the Keys and South Florida.

 Slabs of ancient coral form the terraces and walkways as you stroll along the tranquil grounds.  Set yourself up to paint under the shade of one of the many specimen trees brought to the site from other locations in the Keys or near the charming Keys Cottage on the property.

 You will marvel at the beauty of the pristine white sandy beach shore studded with magnificent Palms, alongside the glistening bay waters.  It’s all so breathtaking!  You will feel you have traveled back in time and perhaps, to another place.  This must be one of the area’s best kept secrets.

 You may bring your lunch.  Restrooms are available at the Circle K across the street on OSH.

 This is a stunning private property that you will want to revisit whenever the opportunity arises.  We’ll see you there!

 February 22nd—The Sea Base Property is located at MM 73.8 bayside in Islamorada (Lower Matecumbe Key) across from and just north of Anne’s Beach.  It began in 1938 as a fishing camp.  The Boy Scouts of America purchased the property in 1979 for the purpose of establishing a High Adventure Scouting facility, focusing on sailing and scuba adventures.  Up to 200 Scouts can be housed on site.

 There is ample parking.  This property is not open to the public, so it is important to wear your nametag.  We are welcome to bring our brown bag lunches and eat them under the large Tiki hut or on picnic benches under the palms. There are restrooms.

 Many will enjoy the little one-person deep water exploration submarine on exhibit there. If we are lucky, we may get to view a class in scuba instruction through the windows in the scuba pool.

 For those who like to paint or photograph boats, it boasts a marina with a 300 foot dock filled with beautiful sailboats. There are also motor boats.  Landscape painters/photographers won’t want to miss one of the most spectacular views in the Keys which includes boats, islands and the picturesque Channel Five Bridge.

 With so much to see, this spectacular venue is worth the drive.

 March 14^th—Theater of the Sea is located at MM 84.5 Oceanside, Islamorada (Windley Key.)  It is well marked with a large, beautiful waterfall made of local coral stone.  There is ample parking.  The ticket counter opens at 9:30 AM and we are requested to arrive at 10:30 AM. There is no charge for Guild members, so it is very important to wear your name tag.  There are to be no sales on the premises.

 This is a perennial favorite of the A.G.P.I. because it offers the opportunity to see so many tropical creatures, including dolphins, parrots and sea turtles.  This is an educational and entertainment facility.  You may be fortunate enough to listen in on one of the tours/shows.

 Winding pathways lead you through beautifully landscaped lush gardens, intimate waterfalls and natural salt water lagoons where the turtles entertain with seemingly synchronized swim routines and the parrots pose perfectly for painters and photographers.

 There are restrooms and a large gift shop.  Lunch at Nicky’s Café is recommended.

 Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy nature’s creatures, up close and personal.

 April 11^th—Bill Sears Property (Tentative)—MM89—222 Navajo St, Indian Waterways or Murray Nelson Park , Key Largo.  Please check back for updates.

 *Please note:  Pilot House Restaurant, Key Largo welcomes Plein Air painters every Monday and Wednesday.  It is recommended that you buy lunch as a thank you.

 Any questions please call:

 Lynn Lamont at 586.405.2422  or

 Paula Friedman at 773.860.8384