Derived from the French phrase en plein air, meaning “in the open air,” plein air painting is the practice of creating artwork outdoors, allowing artists to capture the fleeting light, atmosphere, and spirit of a place in real time. Throughout the week, festival artists can be found painting at scenic locations across the community, translating the beauty of the Plateau’s forests, streams, architecture, and mountain vistas onto canvas, painting the spirit of the Plateau. The week culminates in a public gallery exhibition and sale at Lewis Hall at The Village Green, where visitors have the rare opportunity to view and collect freshly completed works created during the festival. Proceeds from the sale of artwork support The Village Green, the nonprofit organization that preserves and stewards this treasured public green space known as The Heart of Cashiers.