TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Two noted Hoosier Plein Air Painters were at work on the streets of downtown Terre Haute Friday afternoon.

Mark Burkett and Jeanne Mcleish were stationed outside the Swope Art Museum painting the beautiful downtown landscape and chatting with those who stopped by.

“They’re Plein Air Artists, simply, it’s a French word that means ‘painting outside,” Amy MacLennan, curator for the Swope Art Museum said. “We all love to be outside. Every day is a good day for plein air painting and so they’re here today painting for the Swope.”

The artists spoke at the museum Friday evening in preparation for an upcoming Plein Air Painters event hosted by the Swope.

“Between June 22 and 24, there will be painters painting Terre Haute and all of the sites around here just to celebrate how beautiful Terre Haute and Vigo County is,” MacLennan said.

The event is a competition with cash and prize awards. The 2023 Swope Art Museum William T. Turman Plein Air competition is open to all painters and is an Indiana Plein Air Painters Association-affiliated event.

The June event is expected to bring about 50 artists from around the state and possibly beyond to Terre Haute to paint outdoor scenes.