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All it takes is a hint of spring to get people out in Plein Air.

And, on Thursday night those who enjoy the outdoors and are “bent” toward the visual arts are invited to participate in an interest gathering event at 7 p.m. at The Studio on East Walnut Street in downtown Troy.

Amanda Smothers, a local artist, said the gathering is for those who are interested in painting outdoors and will spearhead a movement that will be “Plein Air on the Square.”

“Plein Air is French and it means “painting outdoors,” Smothers said. “Plein Air on the Square” is an opportunity for local artists who enjoy painting outdoors, or think they would, to come together for a day of painting and fellowship.”

The meeting on Thursday night will gauge the interest in the outdoor painting movement, allow for the sharing of ideas and also be an opportunity to learn about Plein Air from one who is a has first-hand knowledge of painting outdoors.

“Larry Stewart of Union Springs will be the guest speaker for the interest meeting,” Smothers said. “He will talk about Plein Air and his experiences. Larry is a self-taught artist and didn’t begin painting until his mid-50s. He is a frequent traveler so he has many opportunities to paint outdoors. He will share his experiences with us and the reasons for painting outdoors.”

The first Plein Air event will be on the square in downtown Troy from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. Interested artists of all ages and from beginners to professional are invited to come and create.

Brenda Campbell, Johnson Center for the Arts director, said she is excited about Plein Air on the Square.

“During the morning, the JCA will have coffee and a continental breakfast for the artists,” Campbell said. “At the Johnson Center, we are excited about Plein Air on the Square because it will bring greater awareness to the arts. It is also directly related to the JCA’s mission to expose people to the arts. It will be an opportunity to watch artists paint, something that some people have not experienced. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the artists and even more so for our community.”