Terrace artist Casey Braam is combining art, nature, and community through his interactive Art Outside project, a real-world treasure hunt designed to encourage people to spend more time outdoors.
The project sees Braam hiking into local parks, trails, and natural spaces to create original paintings on location. As he works, he posts clues, photos, and videos on his social media accounts. The first person to find him and say, “I found you,” wins the completed artwork, with some hunts also featuring prizes donated by local businesses.
Braam said the idea was inspired by two personal goals.
“We live in one of the most beautiful areas around. The natural world around here is just mind-blowing, and I think a lot of people are missing it. I wanted to get outside and be painting more on location… I thought, ‘Okay, well I can do both these things at the same time.'”
While the project has produced some memorable races to the finish, Braam says the real reward is getting people to connect with the places around them.
“It’s hard to care about something unless you experience it. Getting outside in such a beautiful area helps you kind of fall in love with the place you live and start caring about the place you live.”
Participants don’t have to win a painting to enjoy the experience. Braam says many people simply stop to watch him paint, chat, and spend time outdoors.
There is no planned end date for Art Outside. Braam says he’ll continue painting as long as people keep taking part.
“If people are willing to get out and find me, then I’ll just keep painting.”
People can follow clues and updates through Braam’s Art by Casey Braam Facebook page and Instagram account, @cabraam.
Comments