The Quail and Olive with the Arts Council for Monterey County announced the 3rd Annual Paint the Village Plein Air Invitational and Art Sale on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10, 2016. Renowned California Plein Air Artist Murray Wagnon, president of the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association and Mark Farina, signature member of The Carmel Art Association, will judge entries and award prizes in first, second and third place.

The public is welcome to view painters as they work in the Village, purchase a beautiful piece of art and taste California olive oils and gourmet foods at The Quail and Olive, 3 Pilot Road in Carmel Valley, CA.

Proceeds from the entry fees, art sales and sponsorships will benefit the Professional Artists in the Schools program (PAS) of The Arts Council for Monterey County. The program brings actors, musicians, painters and dancers to work with students from the areas of greatest need within Monterey County.

The schedule for 3rd Annual Paint the Village weekend event is as follows:

Saturday, April 9 – Paint the Village Invitational and Art Sale

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Painters will be painting throughout the Village; art will be exhibited and for sale all day at The Quail and Olive courtyard

2-3 p.m. Olive oil tasting with Dr. Stephen Brabeck

3-4 p.m. Judging by Murray Wagnon and Mark Farina of submitted paintings

Sunday, April 10 – Meet the Artists at Art Sale, and enjoy olive oil tasting.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 100 paintings, including the winners and all entries, will be exhibited and for sale.

"We are thrilled to host this event with local and visiting plein air painters, we welcome the public to join us in supporting present and future artists whose work has made Carmel and Carmel Valley an international destination," said Dr. Stephen Brabeck, proprietor of The Quail and Olive. "As a grandparent to school aged children, I am personally dedicated to this benefit that allows students throughout the county to enjoy afterschool drama, music and arts programs."

Last year, more than 36 artists gathered at the 2nd annual Paint the Village Invitational. Proceeds from the entry fees, art sales and sponsorships totaled $5,670, with an additional gift of $1,500 from the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association. The winners of the 2015 Paint the Village were: 1st prize Carole Belliveau, Cowgirl Vinyard; 2nd prize Julia Munger Seelos, Valley Paradise; and 3rd prize Marie Massey, Wine & Roses.

"All students deserve vibrant, inspiring arts education," said Ellen Berrahmoun, Arts and Education Director at the Arts Council. "We are so grateful for all of the artists and community partners who came together at this event. I hope they understand that their efforts mean so much to young students and their parents who love our in-school, after-school, and community-wide art programs."

Artists who wish to participate may still sign up at: http://arts4mc.org/paintthevillage/.

The Quail & Olive, located at 3 Pilot Road in the Carmel Valley Village, is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact: 831-659-4288; www.QuailandOlive.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with California olive oils, recipes, specials and events.