While brainstorming fundraising ideas for the Mount Joy Area Historical Society, board member Alyssa Zevallos had a lightbulb moment - host a plein air art event.

"I proposed the plein air idea because I am an artist myself and have participated in a number of plein air events in the last few years," she recalled. "Plein air makes you see your local landscape in new and unique ways, and I wanted to share that experience."

The Mount Joy Area Historical Society will host the Plein Air Quick Draw Event on Saturday, Aug. 24, at locations throughout downtown Mount Joy.

The event will be held rain or shine, and participants must be at least 18 years old. Artists may paint anywhere within a 10-minute walk of the historical society building, located at 120 Fairview St., Mount Joy. They must bring their own supplies and equipment, and they will have two hours to paint.

Artists may paint anything they observe within the designated area, but they are encouraged to paint Mount Joy's buildings as a way to capture the town's history.

"This event is for all art enthusiasts!" Zevallos said. "It's a great way to try something new and expand your skill set. I have always felt encouraged and welcomed by our local plein air community and want to share that experience with anyone reading this who is thinking, 'That might be fun.''

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, along with a people's choice award prize basket. The event judge will be Matt Allyn Chapman, an artist who is a co-owner of curio. Gallery & Creative Supply in downtown Lancaster and a longtime professor at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

Zevallos is working with local businesses to gather sponsorships to cover the event costs, and funds collected from participant registrations as well as any art sales will benefit the historical society. The society soon plans to expand its archiving space so it can continue its mission to seek, preserve and make available the history of the Mount Joy area, she said.

The Mount Joy Area Historical Society was chartered over 50 years ago by a group of citizens concerned about the future of historical records and artifacts of the Mount Joy area. "We are a 501(c)(3) organization and rely entirely on the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and members," Zevallos shared. "Our museum is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., and we hold monthly public meetings with a local history presentation every third Monday, March through November. We will also be open for August's Fourth Friday as the kickoff point for 'Artful August,' where kids and adults can complete a coloring page to hand in to participating local businesses for a reward."

Participants in the plein air event are encouraged to preregister online at http://www.mountjoyhistory.com/plein-air-quick-draw, but they may also register on the morning of the event. Same-day registration will be held from 8 to 10 a.m., with painting taking place from 10 a.m. to noon. Judging and public viewing will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony. All artwork will be for sale. Registration and judging will take place at the historical society building. For more information, email info@mountjoyhistory.com.