By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
As the 2025 rendition of the Helper Arts Festival approaches, so too does the Plein Aire competition. Giving artists the chance to capture the scenic vistas of Carbon County, the Plein Aire competition will run from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 16.
To discuss the competition and its accompanying reception, Utah Power Credit Union President and CEO Ryan Pollick joined the KOAL newsroom for a deeper look at the competition and the credit union’s involvement.
“To be honest, I didn’t know what the term ‘En Plain Aire’ meant one year ago,” joked Pollick. “And as I drove around town and saw artists with their easels put up and painting outdoors, that is the literal translation, painting outdoors, I just thought this is so cool. This is so engaging. Art is one thing to go and see it on walls, but to see it being created, I think, is just fantastic and a real way to engage with the community.”
The competition creates several different visions of Carbon County, ranging from views of Helper’s Historic Main Street to the vast swathes of land found in Nine Mile Canyon. “This competition is intended to capture the beauty of all of Carbon County. And so that is the guideline that the artists can go anywhere in Carbon County. So you’ll see it all, all of the great sites that we see as we’re driving around town and through the county on a daily basis interpreted by these fantastic artists,” said Pollick.
“What’s great about it is that it’s a great way to both look at art, appreciate art as someone in the community, but also to buy art because the prices are so reasonable,” Pollick explained.
The main portion of the Plein Aire competition concludes on Friday, Aug. 15, with a reception where prizes will be awarded. “I think this reception is going to be a ton of fun. The whole community is invited. We’d love to see as many people as possible come out. The event is at 6 p.m. at the Helper Art Workshop, located at 76 South Main. And at 7 p.m., the awards will be announced from the three days of paint.”
First place will receive $2,500, with second place earning $1,000. Other prizes, including an Audience Choice award, will be presented. Judging the contest is renowned plein aire artist and educator Amy Erickson.
Following the main competition, on Saturday, Aug. 16, a speed draw competition will be held, giving artists the chance to create their works in a more hurried setting. “You’d be surprised at what one can create in two hours, and to make it available and accessible to our community at a low cost, I think, is just really fabulous.”
Speaking on the importance of getting involved in the community, Pollick stated,” I think it’s the most important thing. If we don’t focus on the people, there’s not much to focus on. And so this is where we live, work, and play all together. And all three of those are important. We need to support the recreation, the special events, as well as what we do financially to help people. We’re extremely proud to be part of this community. And well, to be honest, we just have a lot of fun doing it. Maybe it’s a little selfish, but we love being out at the events and supporting our members as well as the broader community.”
Closing our conversation, Pollick shared,” I’d just love to see as many of you as possible throughout the entire Helper Arts Festival this year. But certainly at the Plein Aire Reception on Friday evening.”
The Helper Arts Festival Plein Aire competition will take place beginning Tuesday, Aug. 12, and run through Saturday, Aug. 16. To register or for more information, visit Helper En Plein Aire on Instagram.