SHERBURNE – What is plein air? It’s a French expression which means “in the open air,” and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. And that’s exactly what’s taking place the next four Thursdays from 10 am to 2 p.m. beginning this week at Roger’s Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

“This is a rare opportunity to watch an artist at work,” says Charlene Walling, a board member of Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, who in combination with Golden Artist Colors, organized the event as part of a fundraiser for Colorscape.

“It’s free and open to the public,” said Walling. “Whether you’re an artist that wants to participate, or someone who just appreciates the creative process, you’ll find Plein Air Thursdays inspirational and enjoyable.”

Roger’s Environmental Education Center, with its nature trails that wind around a quiet pond and its diverse vegetation, is an ideal setting for open air painting. Adults and children can appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings and watch as that beauty is transposed to an empty canvas by a creative artist.

Plein Air Thursdays brings together over 20 local and professional artists. Each artist will set up his or her easel and paint supplies at a location of their own choosing and start painting. Although not every artist will be at each Plein Air Thursday, there will be plenty of participating artists.