Gari Melchers Home and Studio invites artists of all skill levels and mediums to participate in our Plein Air Days. On these unique days, artists are encouraged to create in our gardens, display their work in progress, and meet with other artists and visitors. The grounds will remain open until 7:00 PM to experience the gardens and grounds until dusk. The extended site hours for this event (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Gari Melchers Home and Studio will communicate any changes via social media.
 

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is open daily 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM. It is free to walk the grounds and gardens. There is an admission charge to tour the historic home and galleries.
 

This event is free and open to the public. There is no fee for participating artists. Advance registration is requested, but not required. Professional photographers using the site for client portrait sessions must follow our Photography Guidelines and site use fees.

All participants are expected to follow these guidelines:

· Check-in and Check-out All visitors are required to check-in at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center will remain open throughout the event so guests may have access to restrooms and water. The museum gates will close promptly at 7:00 PM. Guests are asked to check out to ensure all visitors are off the property at closing time.

· Be Courteous Artists are welcome to work anywhere on the grounds outside, but must be respectful of the property and guests. Walkways should not be blocked. No standing or walking in flowerbeds or shrubbery. Do not move flower pots, benches, chairs, or any other lawn ornament. No climbing or sitting on gates, walls, fences, trees, statuary, buildings, and farm equipment. No attaching items to structures or vegetation. If an artist creates a potentially dangerous worksite or their medium poses a risk of destruction to the property, they will be asked to stop, relocate or leave.

· Be Prepared Participants are responsible for all materials and tools required to do their work. On-site electricity is not available.

· Be Clean Participants are asked to leave no trace. If the creative process may become messy, please plan to bring drop cloths. Artists should help maintain the cleanliness of the public restrooms. Restroom sinks may be used for minimal tool cleanup and handwashing. A dump bucket for paint water and a trash can will be available at the Visitor Center.

· Be Kind and Considerate Participants are asked to be respectful of other artists and members of the public who may stop to observe their work. We ask guests to cultivate a pleasant experience for all participants. Artists are asked to maintain a small footprint to ensure access for all. Artists should plan to work within no more than a 6’x6’ workspace.

· No Sales Artists are encouraged to promote themselves and their work; however, they are not permitted to sell their items on site. Artists may bring promotional materials (business cards, QR codes, etc.) that will help guests find them online or in local galleries/studios.

If you have questions, or to register, please contact our Museum Store Manager, Lindy Lynn at 540-654-1843 or llynn@umw.edu.