Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
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Oracle State Park is Hosting a Plein Air Artist "Paint Out on February 24

(Phoenix Arizona - February 22, 2007) - Arizona State Parks and the Tucson Plein Air Painters Society, Inc. are presenting a Plein Air Artist event in celebration of Arizona State Parks' 50th Anniversary.

The "paint out" event will be held at Oracle State Park on Saturday, February 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Artists are called to complete a work during the event and submit the piece for judging by their fellow plein air artists. At 12 p.m., the artists will gather to judge their peers' work. Finalist paintings from the event will be shown in the gallery at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in January of 2008. A gallery opening will be announced. For more information about the "paint out" on February 24 call Oracle State Park at (520) 896-2425.

Oracle State Park is located approximately 45 minutes from Tucson, in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains near the community of Oracle in southern Pinal County.

Oracle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge located in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the town of Oracle north of Tucson. The Mediterranean Revival-Style historic Kannally Ranch House and patios offer sweeping views of the Galiuro Mountains and surrounding area.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein air shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas. Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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