Paint the Parks Exhibit

News Release Date: September 9, 2011

Contact: Caitlin Mcquade, 314-655-1720

America's national parks have inspired artists for centuries. Beginning October 7, artwork depicting our National Parks will inspire visitors to the Gateway Arch Visitors Center and the Old Courthouse in St. Louis as part of Paint the Parks.

This national touring exhibit combines America's stunning history and landscape with the talent of nationally recognized American artists.Visitors to the Old Courthouse will see this year's 100 best depictions of some of the 391 inspiring natural and historic areas preserved by the National Park Service. The Gateway Arch, for the first time will exhibit "Paint the Parks" Mini50, in the Special Exhibits Gallery. These paintings follow the same format, except the paintings are 180 square inches or less. The free exhibit is open from October 7, 2011 to January 9, 2012.

A panel of America's top contemporary artists judged hundreds of submissions.Criteria included the artist's ability to convey the essence of their chosen park, artistic and technical merit, composition and use of media.The 150 selected paintings are as diverse as the parks themselves with subjects including wildlife, landscape, human figures and historic buildings.

Contest organizer PaintAmerica brings Paint the Parks to cities across the nation.All paintings in the exhibit are for sale. A percentage from the paintings sold in St. Louis goes to the Jefferson National Parks Association, which supports the educational activities of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

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The Gateway Arch is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Old Courthouse is open daily year round 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 

All programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. For more information about programs and exhibits, please call the park at 314-655-1700.   

Programs and exhibits are made possible due to the generous support of The Core of Discovery, a Metro Business Enterprise and Jefferson National Parks Association.