The Ulster Society of Women Artists are offering a weekend of outdoor painting in the island town of Enniskillen running from Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24.

This is a fun weekend for women and men with all skill levels, and all painting/drawing mediums are welcome.

The festival is based in the town of Enniskillen with its great mixture of historical buildings, views of the Fermanagh lakes, and street scenes to suit every taste.

Participants can paint from 10am to 4pm each day, anywhere in the town.

Participants will meet on Friday, September 22 in Enniskillen Castle Courtyard between 9am to 10am.

Each evening at 4pm, they will then meet in the Castle Courtyard to exhibit the day’s work, chat to par-ticipants, view each other’s work and perhaps sell their work.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, the High Sheriff of Fermanagh – and an artist in her own right – Noelle McAlinden said: “I couldn’t be prouder as High Sheriff of Fermanagh and Patron of the Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA) to be working with Catherine McKeever, artist and President of the USWA, and Sorrel Wills, artist and former President, bringing this opportunity to our unique island town.”

Grateful for the support for the weekend-long event, Noelle thanked the lead local and regional part-ners, including Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, Enniskillen Castle Fermanagh County Museums, Ex-perience Enniskillen, Fermanagh Lakelands, Blue Green Yonder, Blakes of the Hollow, Erne Art and Craft Store, and Waterways Ireland.

“We continue to celebrate the power of the arts here in Fermanagh, and are keen to provide the per-fect inspiration and a warm welcome.

“We are celebrating the power of painting and drawing Plein Air, arts in outdoors, in this beautiful is-land town of Enniskillen,” said Noelle.

The event will be facilitated by three guest artists: Sorrel Wills, Neil Greig and Dr. Denise Ferran, who will lead a dedicated workshop each day, providing practical insights on their own plein air practice with guidance and support in recording the spectacular views of the town on and along the waterways.

‘Distinguished artists’

Noelle continued: “We have so much to offer in welcoming our local citizens, visitors, emerging and established artists, art lovers, absolute beginners and the general public with an interest in participating in drawing and painting outdoors, led by distinguished artists who have exhibited both locally and in-ternationally.

“We want you to enjoy, experience, capture and celebrate this beautiful town and warmly welcome all to continue to explore and embrace the waterways, as well as the natural and built heritage here. Come rest, play and stay here!”

This is a very special opportunity for those over 18 years of age to participate in creating unique mas-terpieces, to learn from distinguished artists, and to sell and invest in their own original art, made over a creative weekend.

Register via the Enniskillen Plein Air Festival Eventbrite page.