Photo provided to the Times Observer An “Introduction to Plein Air Art” program will be held at Kinzua Beach on Saturday as part of the Allegheny National Forest’s Artist-in-Residence program.

The Forest Service is holding a program with this summer’s Artist-in-Residence at Kinzua Beach on Saturday.

The program is entitled “Introduction to Plein Air Art” and will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fate Hays is the artist-in-residence that will lead the program.

According to the Forest Service, Plein Air, a French term meaning “in the open air,” encourages artists to step outside and capture the beauty of the natural world.

“Artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join this program which will explore color mixing using crayons,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser said. “Participants will create unique color journals while observing and recording the hues of their environment.”

The first 12 participants will receive a set of custom Allegheny National Forest-inspired crayons created by Hays.

Those attending are asked to bring a sketch pad or paper, a lawn chair and crayons.

“As a plein air artist, Fate Hays specializes in capturing the beauty of natural spaces using oil pastels,” Leeser said. “Her intention is to carefully record the colors and textures of the space to best remember the experience of being there.”

The Artist-in-Residence program is an opportunity for artists of all mediums to have the time and space to pursue their craft outside of their normal environment. The two-week program allows the artist easy access to the forest, field trips with Forest Service staff, and networking opportunities with local arts organizations.