The third annual Plein Air in the Parks was held at Buffalo Bill State Park, Aug. 27-30, and concluded with an awards ceremony, reception, and art sale where this year’s award winners were announced. 

The award recipients are:

Youth category for ages 12 and below:

1st place ($50): Waylon Hansen (Spearfish, SD), “River Day”

Teen category for students 13-18:

1st place ($50): Hadlee Lennon (Powell, WY), “Untitled”

Main Awards

3rd place ($250): Brooke Malia Mann (Cody, WY), “Green Across the Reservoir”

2nd place($500): Stephanie Rose (Powell, WY), “Water for the Desert”

Best in Show ($1,000): Paul Kethley (Powell, WY), “Shoshone River”

People’s Choice Award ($250): Shawna Pickinpaugh (Lander, WY), “Sheep Mountain Trailhead”

Judge’s Choice Certificate: David Kewitt (Cody, WY), “Just Passing Thru”

Artists could enter up to two pieces into the judged competition. Jurying was done anonymously. Jurors this year were Sue Simpson Gallager, owner of Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, and Erin Johnson, artist and owner of Gestalt Studios at the Polar Plant in Powell. 

Plein Air in the Parks is a collaborative weekend event presented by Wyoming State Parks, the Wyoming Arts Council, and the Cody Country Art League. 

Image: Best in show - photo by Jody Horvath

Caption: State Parks Big Horn District Manager Brooks Jordan (left) with Best in Show winner Paul Kethley (right) at the third annual Plein Air in the Parks. Photo by Jody Horvath.