Plein Air Easton, the largest and most prestigious outdoor art competition in the nation, is celebrating its 19th year in Easton this July 14 through 23. Plein Air Easton is a week-long art festival and competition. Fifty-eight artists from the world over are juried into the competition each year and will complete two competition artworks and one 6×8 artwork that will be judged for thousands of dollars in prizes. There are ticketed events, painting events where everyone can paint, free art exhibits showcasing the work that’s been completed during the week, lectures, painting demos, and even kid-friendly paint-outs, activities, and exhibits.
The week starts with a Kick-off Party, Gallery Walk, and more on Friday, July 15 in downtown Easton. Make a point to stop into the official Plein Air Easton Headquarters, located in the Waterfowl Building at 40 South Harrison Street in downtown Easton, often during the week to view the exhibit of juried artist’s work. The inventory on display in headquarters will expand throughout the week and, as paintings are sold, they will be replaced with new paintings so if you fall in love with a painting, buy it before it’s gone. PAE Headquarters is the place to be if you need information about the festival, to pick up a schedule of events, buy a frame from our pop-up frame vendor, or sit in the cool air conditioning while listening to an on-stage discussion or watch demos taking place on the stage. Free and open to the public.
Pop-up art exhibits and opportunities to see the competition artists in action will be ongoing with events in Oxford and Tilghman Island while Local Color, an exhibit featuring local juried artists will open beginning on Thursday, July 20 in Easton.
Don’t miss the Collector’s Preview Party on Friday, July 21. After painting all week, juried artists will select two of their best works and submit them for judging and awards. The Collector’s Preview Party is the first opportunity to see the entire collection housed in the acclaimed Academy Art Museum. Buy tickets now at PleinAirEaston.com as this event will sell out.
The weekend of July 22 and 23 will be bustling with excitement. The famous Plein Air Easton Quick Draw Competition, children’s art exhibits and painting competition, Small Painting Sunday, and this year’s Judge’s Talk will fill up the weekend.
Plein Air Easton is the work of the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community on the Eastern Shore by creating accessible, uplifting arts, education, and cultural experiences that appeal to the interests of a diverse population and ensure the long-term viability of the historic Avalon Theatre. The event is supported by Talbot Arts, corporate donors, Friends of Plein Air Easton, a small army of volunteers, and strong community support.
To learn more, visit PleinAirEaston.com, email info@pleinaireaston.com, or call the Avalon Foundation’s Plein Air Easton hotline at 410-822-7297.