NEW GLOUCESTER – With nature as their inspiration, artists who paint with oils, acrylics, watercolors or pastels are invited to participate in Fiddlehead Center for the Arts’ Autumn Celebration: Fresh Paint Event and Auction fund-raiser on Sept. 24.

In its third year, the Fresh Paint Event celebrates local artists and the beauty of the area’s natural environment. Artists are asked to create paintings in a six-hour period that are auctioned off that evening, with proceeds benefiting the center.

Whether it’s the rolling countryside, apple orchards, ocean views, farmland or historic architecture, landscapes and fall colors will be the backdrop for the artists’ creations. They choose their own painting location for the day in the towns of New Gloucester, Gray, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Pownal or North Yarmouth.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for area artists to enjoy a day of painting inspired by our natural surroundings, gain visibility for their work and network with other artists,” said Mary Jo Marquis, center artistic director. “Last year over 40 artists participated and we had a wonderful attendance at the auction. This year we expect to exceed those numbers.”

Painting will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with a string quartet and gallery exhibition of the artists’ work. At 7 p.m. the “fresh paint’ auction will begin, led by auctioneer Jim Cyr of Cyr Auction Co. Artists donate either a portion or all of their proceeds to Fiddlehead Center and they have the chance to win a cash prize awarded to the top three paintings in a judged contest.

Interested artists can acquire applications and information at www.fiddleheadcenter.org or by calling 688-2244.

Fiddlehead Center creates an environment where children and adults can be involved in the performing, visual and creative arts and sciences. It is a comprehensive multi-community arts center, located at the Pineland campus and in a new location beginning in September in Scarborough.