People’s choice – winning artwork, Allen Kriegshauser
U City in Bloom’s Plein Air Art Festival was held on Sunday, September 23rd with 45 artists and seven U City high school student artists participating. The artists registered at 8 am and then headed to one of various outdoor destinations around University City where they began to sketch or paint an inspiring landmark or garden of their choosing. Many of the destinations included the areas around U City High School, Heman Park, Lewis Park. as well as other historic University City buildings and locations.
The finished works were then delivered by the artists to the Heman Park Community Center where they were registered for judging. Three expert artist judges then chose 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and Honorable Mention winners. In an additional category, the youth artists’ works were also judged.
Winners: 1st Place – David Huth
2nd Place – Allen Kriegshauser
3rd Place – Gabriele Baber
Honorable Mention – Mary Dee Schmidt
Youth Winners: 1st Place – Jade Morrow
2nd Place – Rebecca Rico
3rd Place – Shu’ Rya Butler
A reception followed from 5 pm – 7 pm where artists and the reception attendees could mingle and purchase the artwork. During the reception, attendees also chose their favorite composition for the People’s Choice Award.
The work of the winning artists were then put on display at the University City Library Gallery. A reception for the winning artists was Sunday, October 7th, “Plein Air Art in Bloom”. Bouquets of flowers from U City in Bloom gardens accompanied the art display. The show continued through October. 
