Award-winning paintings from Atlanta’s 12th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational are here. The artists who placed in this year’s event are …
From the organizers:
Midtown Atlanta buzzed with excitement as 30 of the nation’s leading outdoor painters gathered to exhibit their work in a gallery space at Atlantic Station, the vibrant mixed-use destination known for its energy, walkability, and dynamic arts scene. The 12th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational brought glitz and flair to the Midtown Atlanta scene. “This was our first foray into Midtown Atlanta and the vibe was tremendous,” said Show Director Phil Cuthbertson. “I think a return on April 17–25, 2027 is in the cards.”
Our three-judge panel included Lese Corrigan, an artist and gallerist from Charleston, SC; Nelda Damiano, curator at the University of Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, GA; and Christopher Groves, a Master Artist with studios in Charleston, SC. They rose to the challenge of selecting winners from 60 outstanding competition pieces.
Sales were brisk and while the physical gallery is closed, paintings still available remain online through May 22, 2026, on the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational Gallery Exhibition and Sale — Olmsted Arts, Inc. website.
2026 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational Winners
- Best in Buckhead – “Family of Geese in the Evening Light” by Ryan Jensen
- Best Nocturne – “Jekyll Lighthouse 2:03AM” by Crista Pisano
- Bill Selman Spirit of Atlanta – “Janke’s Glassblowers-Old Fourth Ward” by Susan Waters
- Best Architecture – “Light on Auburn” by Vlad Yeliseyev
Judge’s Award of Merit
Lese Corrigan – “Just Off Ponce” by Peggy Immel
Nelda Damiano – “Provision” by Seth Tummins
Christopher Groves – “Morning Fountain” by Neal Hughes
Artist Welcome Reception – Artist’s Choice – “Sketch of Jason” by Kelley Mogilka
BIG Petite Reveal – “Water Lilies” by Susan Waters
PaintQuick
1st Place – Olena Babak
2nd Place – Robin Cheers
3rd Place – Lyudmila Tomova Clark
View the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational virtual exhibition gallery at www.olmstedartsinc.org.
Don’t miss your opportunity to create lifetime memories at the Plein Air Convention & Expo! All training sessions are indoors on giant, high-def screens, with incredible paint-outs in the afternoons. Beginners and pros feel right at home, so register at PleinAirConvention.com to join us. NEW: With the PACE Streaming Pass, you have access to all five stages of demonstrations and teachings (with 90 days of replays).
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Announcement prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Plein Air Today
