Thirteen high school students from Steelville, Cuba, Bourbon and area homeschool programs spent the final weekend of September immersed in paint, nature and mentorship at the fourth annual High School Plein Air Weekend, hosted by the Steelville Arts Council (STARCO) at Camp Brim Shire.

Held Sept. 27–29, the three-day retreat invited young artists to trade classrooms for canvas under open skies, learning directly from four professional plein air artists — Dennis Babbitt, Tammy Dickerson, Patty Burmister, and Shelley Bishop. With guidance from the artists and a dedicated volunteer team, students explored the beauty of outdoor painting while honing their technical and creative skills.

STARCO volunteers Jim Trippensee, Robin Adkins, Brenda Henty, Christy Miles-Foster, and Christine Smailys coordinated the weekend, ensuring students had everything they needed to focus on their art — from materials to meals. Each participant received an art kit valued at $100, stocked with paints, brushes, and supplies, which they took home after the retreat.

Students worked in both watercolor and acrylic, completing a total of seven paintings apiece, including two nocturnal scenes that challenged them to capture the unique light and color of nighttime landscapes. The experience culminated in a public reception Monday afternoon at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, where the students displayed their finished works and reflected on their weekend accomplishments.

Participation in the weekend required only a refundable $50 registration deposit, which was returned following the Gallery Zeke reception. All meals, snacks, and camping accommodations at Camp Brim Shire were provided by STARCO, allowing students to focus fully on the creative experience.

Now in its fourth year, the High School Plein Air Weekend has become a highlight for regional art students, offering mentorship and a sense of community that extends beyond the easel. Planning is already underway for the fifth annual retreat, which will take place May 29–31, 2026.

High school students interested in participating next year can contact Christine Smailys at 816-225-5351 or visit steelvillearts.org next spring for more details.