News from Skylands CLEAN, Inc.

First Annual Plein Air and Preservation Event a Success!

Skylands CLEAN's "Plein Air and Preservation: Landscapes of the New Jersey Highlands" gathering was a tremendous success. The event, which was a combination art show/sale and member meeting, was held on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Wine in the Woods on Cahill Cross Road in West Milford.

Artists of the Plein Air Painters of the New Jersey Highlands, a group dedicated to painting outdoor landscape scenes, partnered with CLEAN on the event, and pledged 50% of the proceeds for any artworks sold to benefit CLEAN. A total of 7 paintings were sold during the event, raising nearly $1500 for CLEAN.

Plein Air painter William Brown, a Ringwood resident and CLEAN member, spoke to attendees about how he came to know CLEAN.

"My wife Diana and I first met CLEAN when we learned that the town planned to sell a beautiful lot on Hickory Road that was already open space, to a builder who wanted to build 7 or 8 homes. CLEAN helped us stop that sale, and now the property is preserved forever."

The site, which is adjacent to a hiking trail to the top of Governor's Mountain with panoramic views of the Wanaque Reservoir, is a favorite of both painters and photographers throughout the area.

CLEAN members enjoyed music wine, and delicious hors doevres while viewing the beautiful artworks. They also learned about CLEAN's exciting plans for the upcoming year, which include a series of events throughout the year such as a kayak float, dinner dance, clean up event, stream planting, and a fishing derby. The events are designed to provide a fun way for our members to get involved in CLEAN's work, and to meet each other. Click on the calendar link at the top of the page to see a complete lsting of events.

Musical entertainment was provided during the afternoon by Jeff and Karen. Refreshments were provided by Stone Mountain Cheese Store, Down Under Cafe, and CLEAN members Anita Yarossi and Arlene Mac Allen. Many thanks for your delicious refreshments. Thanks to Wine in the Woods for their hospitality. Special thanks to William Brown, Diana Gibson-Brown and the Plein Air Painters of the New Jersey Highlands for their generous support and help in organizing this event. Finally, thank you to a the event organizers, Miriam Nelson-Gillett, Cheryl Kiviat, Amanda DaSilva, and Diana Gibson-Brown for all their hard work in putting together such a wonderful gathering.

Photos of the event are below taken by Dave DaSilva.

looking at the art