- This event has passed.
Silent Study: A Plein Air Flash Mob
August 16 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
We’re next to the band stand under the shade tree.
What if making art in public wasn’t a performance — but a quiet reminder that art education should belong to everyone?
Join us for Silent Study, a plein air flash mob where artists gather in public space to draw, paint, and observe — together, in silence.
This event is designed to raise awareness about the reality that formal art and design education is a luxury many can’t afford. We believe learning should be visible, accessible, and community-rooted — not hidden behind high tuition and closed doors.
This is not a performance.
It’s a shared moment of focus, freedom, and visibility.
Just artists showing up at the same place, at the same time, to do what they do best: create.
✨ What to Expect:
- Wear a yellow shirt (or other garmet) to show that you are a part of the FADE Initiative
- We’ll meet at Winged Deer Park during Meet in the Mountains Festival.
- Bring your own portable art materials — any medium, any style.
- Join us at the meetup spot, set up, and begin working quietly at the designated time.
- Stay for about an hour, or longer if you wish.
- Optional: casually gather nearby afterward for community and conversation.
Who Can Join?
Anyone. All skill levels are welcome, whether you are first-time sketchers to lifelong painters.
No registration is required — though RSVPing below would help us immensely. Just show up and create.
New to Plein Air Painting? And other FAQs
I have more questions
You can either email hello@fadeinit.org – best before the day of the event.
For day-off communication, we will be communicating through our member community channels – discord and whatsapp. To gain access to these (and get early-access announcements, community resources and more) – join FADE as a founding member for $10/month.
What is plein air painting?
Plein air painting is the act of creating art while physically present in the landscape or environment being depicted. Artists work on-site to capture the natural light, color, atmosphere, and details of the scene in real time.
Why It Matters:
- Encourages direct connection with your subject
- Sharpens observational skills
- Celebrates spontaneity and imperfection
- Makes art more visible and participatory when done in public
How should I prepare?
This event is simple by design, but a little preparation will help you feel confident and grounded when you get there.
1. Choose Your Tools
Bring materials you’re familiar with. This isn’t the time to try a brand-new medium — unless you’re comfortable experimenting in public. Even a pencil and notebook is enough.
2. Plan for Comfort
Make sure you’ll be physically comfortable for about an hour. That might mean a chair, water, a sunhat, or something to lean on. Check the weather ahead of time.
3. Know Where You’re Going
We’ll release the final location and meet-up time through our member channels and update this webpage. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider scouting it out beforehand or arriving early. Or join as a member to get direct access to the WhatsApp and Discord community channels.
🤫 4. Respect the Silence
This is a quiet flash mob during an already loud event. We’re creating contrast by being silent (or quiet) during this session. We’re not turning music on or dancing during the session – we’re focusing on learning to paint what we see. It’s part of the shared experience. Headphones are okay, but consider soaking in the ambient world around you.
💌 5. Bring Your Intentions
Why are you joining? To honor your creative self? To make our mission more visible? To slow down? There’s no wrong answer — but entering the space with purpose makes the experience richer.
What should I bring?
Art Supplies (bring what you’re comfortable using):
- Sketchbook or loose paper
- Pencils, pens, charcoal, markers, or portable paints
- Travel easel, clipboard, or firm surface to draw on
- Watercolors or digital tablets welcome, too!
Comfort & Setup:
- Portable stool, folding chair, or picnic blanket
- Hat or sunshade
- Clips or tape to hold down your paper (it might be breezy)
Outdoor Essentials:
- Weather-appropriate clothes — layers are your friend
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Snacks or money for food
Clean-Up & Extras:
- Paper towels or wipes
- Trash bag for any disposable materials
- Small bag or backpack to carry it all
Is this a legal flash mob?
Absolutely. The planning committee for the festival knows we’re coming and what our intentions are, and are fully supportive.