NAUVOO, Ill. – On Friday evening, Oct. 25, as part of the Nauvoo Oktoberfest celebration, local artists showcased their talents at the 2024 Nauvoo Plein Air Art Competition, held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Attendees were treated to a vibrant display of paintings done in watercolor and other mediums, each capturing the beauty of the Nauvoo landscape.

A panel of judges was tasked with selecting the best paintings, leading to the following award recipients:

Grand Prize ($250): Maria Motalvo for her work, “Nauvoo Oxen.”

First Place ($75): Jamie Steen for “Harvest Home.”

Second Place ($40): Jamie Steen again, this time for “Pumpkin Walk.”

Third Place ($35): Janice Rockwell for her delightful painting, “Best of the Harvest.”

People’s Choice Award ($50): Voted by festival attendees, this honor also went to Jamie Steen for her “Pumpkin Walk.”

For those unfamiliar, plein air painting is a technique that involves creating art outdoors, skillfully capturing the essence of a landscape through natural light, color, and movement. The term “plein air” originates from the French phrase meaning “out of doors.”

In an exciting development, Motalvo’s Grand Prize-winning piece, “Nauvoo Oxen,” will be permanently displayed at the Nauvoo City Center building, where it will serve as a lasting testament to the vibrant artistic community in Nauvoo.

The event was proudly sponsored by the Nauvoo Betterment Association, showcasing its commitment to supporting local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of the community.

This year’s competition not only celebrated artistic talent but also fostered a sense of community, as art lovers and local residents came together to appreciate the beauty of Nauvoo in various forms.

The Nauvoo Chamber of Commerce sponsored this event. According to chair Rebecca Williamson, the event will be repeated next year.