Take advantage of these art and plein air painting events and opportunities from our 2022 Ultimate Guide to Painting Events and Organizations.
(We want to include your plein air painting events! Don’t see your group listed here? Contact our marketing team to learn how to advertise your plein air painting events and more with Plein Air Today.)
October 2022 Art / Plein Air Painting Events
Alabama
Pike Road Paint Out
October 14–15
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.pikeroad.us
Arizona
Bisbee Plein Air Festival
October 6–9
Opening Reception: October 8
Entry Deadline: October 7
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Central School Project
Format: Combination
Award Total: $800
Contact: Laurie McKenna
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 520.432.4866
Website: www.centralschoolproject.org
Artists come to paint Old Bisbee’s historic architecture, sprawling staircases, vintage streets, industrial mining remnants, scenic vistas, and colorful homes set amidst the scenic Mule Mountains to com-pete for $800 in prizes. On the final day artists gather for the judging at Central School Project Gallery where the art lovers can view and purchase the work. Each year there are activities, exhibitions, and a children’s activity held in conjunction with the competition. Central School Project is an arts nonprofit whose mission is to preserve our historic building, provide affordable studios to artists, and to deliver the arts.
Sedona Plein Air Festival
October 22–29
Opening Reception: October 22
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Sedona Arts Center
Format: Juried
Award Total: $10,000
Contact: Julie Richard
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 928.282.3809
Website: www.sedonapleinairfestival.org
Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 64 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an “art colony.” Our community’s iconic and wonderfully creative event — Sedona Plein Air Festival — is a weeklong celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events.
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
September 20, 2022–January 16, 2023
Sponsoring Organization: Grand Canyon Conservancy
Venue: Kolb Studio, Grand Canyon National Park
Format: Juried
Contact: Kathy Duley
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 480.277.0458
Website: www.grandcanyon.org/coa
Celebration of Art is a wonderful tradition at Grand Canyon Na-tional Park, providing a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a future art venue at the South Rim. Since 2009, Celebration of Art has invited participating artists to paint “en plein air” for a week at Grand Canyon. The works produced during this time are shown alongside studio-produced pieces at the historic Kolb Studio in an exhibition and sale that extends for four months.
California
24th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
October 1–9
Sponsoring Organization: Laguna Plein Air Painters Association
Venue: Numerous sites — Main Site Festival of Arts — Laguna Beach, CA
Format: Invitational
Juror of Awards: Numerous jurors
Award Total: $35,000+
Contact: Rosemary Swimm
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 949.376.3635
Website: www.lpapa.org
When a group of local artists decided to band together to paint the coastline and canyons of Laguna Beach, none of them could have foreseen how that simple get-together back in 1996 would evolve into one of the most prestigious plein air painting events held around the country. This year, LPAPA celebrates its 24th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. This 9-day event includes an opening day Quick Draw, public demonstrations and presentations, Collectors Gala, substantial cash prizes, and 100+ original works of art for sale.
EXHIBITION: “Transitions: The Beauty of Life’s Journey”
Through October 22
Venue: Firehouse Art Center, Harrington Gallery, Pleasanton
Website: firehousearts.org/gallery
This new exhibition features 20 nationally known California artists and revolves around each one’s interpretation of transitional elements in our lives.
Colorado
Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Invitational
October 2–9
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.coloradonma.org/plein-air
23rd Annual AIS National Juried Exhibition
September 15–October 22
Opening Reception: September 15
Sponsoring Organization: American Impressionist Society
Venue: Mary Williams Fine Art, Boulder, CO
Format: Juried
Juror of Awards: Huihan Liu AISM
Award Total: $77,000
Contact: Liz Ahrens
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 231.881.7685
Website: www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
The American Impressionist Society provides arts opportuni-ties to artists working in the style of Impressionism. Each year AIS presents four juried exhibits along with numerous panel discussions, demonstrations, workshops, critiques, professional development, on-location painting competitions, and educa-tional programs. The exhibits and events are open to the public. AIS partners with galleries and arts organizations to present our National and Small Works Showcase each year. AIS has grown to be one of the most respected national art organizations in the country, with over 2,000 members nationwide. Founded in 1998 by four Florida artists in honor of their mentor, William Schultz.
Delaware
Paint Dover!
October 5–7
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tinyurl.com/doverart
Florida
Coastal Plein Air Art & Wine Festival
October 1-2
Sponsoring Organization: Florence Regional Arts Alliance
Venue: Florence Events Center
Website: http://www.fraaoregon.org/coastal-plein-air.html
Georgia
Olmsted 200 Celebration
Through December 31
Sponsoring Organization: Olmsted Arts, Inc. (Olmsted Plein Air Invitational)
Venue/location: Olmsted Landscapes Nationwide
Format: Plein Air/Studio Virtual Gallery Two paintings to competition/virtual judging
Contact name: Phil Cuthbertson / Lillian Ansley
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: 404-944-3475
Website: olmstedpleinair.com
Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO), the “Father” of modern American landscape architecture and designer of the grounds of Biltmore Estate, the U.S. Capitol Grounds, Central Park, the Buffalo Parks System, the Louisville Parks System, Riverside in Chicago, Druid Hills in Atlanta and many more iconic landscapes. FLO painted his landscapes with trees, shrubs, rolling hills, streams and ponds. His design vision provided all people with simple pleasures of nature. The Olmsted 200 Celebration brings 52 Olmsted Plein Air Invitational Alumni to document Olmsted landscapes across the country.
Idaho
Eagle Plein Air Festival
October 8–15
Opening Reception: October 7
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Finer Frames
Format: Open
Award Total: $3,000
Contact: Meg Glasgow
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 208.888.9898
Website: www.eaglepleinair.com
The 2022 Eagle Plein Air Festival & Competition is a Festival, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. More than 80 artists are expected to visit beautiful Eagle, Idaho, to paint, draw, and sketch the natural landscape. Watch a demonstration, take a painting lesson, and talk with the artists. At the end of the Festival, the public can view and purchase these unique works of art.
Illinois
Paint the Town Barrington!
September 30–October 8
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.barrington-il.gov/pleinair
Iowa
Bluff Strokes 2022 Paint Out
October 2–8
Opening Reception: October 2
Sponsoring Organization: Bluff Strokes
Venue: Steeple Square, Dubuque
Format: Combination
Juror of Awards: Lorin Willey
Award Total: $10,000
Contact: Wes Heitzman
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 563.845.1801
Website: www.bluffstrokes.org
Paint historic Dubuque, Iowa, on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Dubuque was founded in the early 1800s and boasts historic residences, buildings, and parks, as well as scenic river vistas and riverfront scenes and interesting workboat, rail, and industrial infrastructure. Dubuque County, which bounds the event, is nestled in the Driftless Region, with unique topography and inter-esting rural scenes. Our sales venue is a beautiful former Catholic Church, now restored as an event center. Visit our website for prior winners and explore our “Paint Dubuque” section for painting opportunities.
Louisiana
2nd Annual Farm to Forest Plein Air Festival
October 13–16
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Alexandria Museum of Art
Format: Juried
Juror of Awards: Suzie Baker
Award Total: $2,500
Contact: Olivia Helmer
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 318.443.3458
Website: www.farmtoforestpleinair.com
This four-day festival invites artists to capture the abundant natural beauty of Central Louisiana surrounded by farms, nurseries, and Kisatchie National Forest. Alexandria sits along the Red River with its sister city Pineville, and features a scenic historic district and downtown cultural district. Pineville has a quaint main street and historic cemeteries. Central Louisiana also includes small surrounding communities that offer scenic opportunities. The museum seeks purchase awards to supplement the cash awards.
Maine
Publisher’s Invitational: Fall Color Week
October 6-13
Sponsoring Organization: Streamline Publishing / PleinAir Magazine
Venue: Schoodic Institude, Acadia
Website: fallcolorweek.com/acadia
Fall Color Week is about painting and making friends. This isn’t a workshop, and you’re not there to watch demonstrations. But by painting for a week with others, you’ll learn lots of great lessons. We all help one another. And unlike a workshop, where there is the stress to perform, this is all about taking time and practicing what you already know. If you’re a beginner, think about everything you’ll learn by spending consistent time painting and feeling the excitement of being around others who share your passion.
Massachusetts
Cape Ann Plein Air Festival
October 1–9
Opening Reception: October 3
Sponsoring Organization: Cape Ann Plein Air
Format: Juried
Award Total: $25,000
Contact: Susan Coviello
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 978.837.8273
Website: www.capeannpleinair.com
Held in the birthplace of American plein air; hosted in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, Cape Ann Plein Air is a juried and judged competition that has become a favorite among artists. A rich art history colors the 400-year-old community and has been the muse for painting greats such as Homer, Lane, Hopper, Wyeth, Sargent, and Davis. Juried artists traveling to participate are provided housing, opportunities to mingle with each other and the public, dinners with organizers, opportunities to engage with local art organizations and galleries, and free access to world-class museums and theater.
Michigan
FRESH! Plein Air Milford
October 7–9
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.milfordvfaa.org
Missouri
10th Annual Paint Parkville Plein Air
October 7–14
Opening Reception: October 16
Entry Deadline: October 7
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Cathy Kline Art Gallery
Format: Open
Juror of Awards: Johnathan Porter Lasater
Award Total: $6,000
Contact: Cathy Kline
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 913.449.4460
Website: www.cathyklineartgallery.com
3- day workshop with Master Artist Johnathan Porter Lasater October 5, 6, 7 with event beginning with a Sunset River Quick Paint on the 7th. Multiple $500 purchase awards each day of event. 10-year Celebration of painting a picturesque, charming town. Gothic castle-like university and river train town with parks, nature sanctuary, wetlands, and Main Street Historic District, 5-star French restaurant, and more. This is a wonderful tradition supported by Main Street Parkville Association, White Farmhouse Flowers, and Main Street Bed and Breakfast. The Cathy Kline Art Gallery, founder, brings Southern hospitality to inspire art appreciation.
New Jersey
Sunday in the Park with Asher
October 2 (rain date Oct. 9)
Sponsoring Organization: Durand-Hedden House
Venue: Asher Durand House, Maplewood
Website: www.durandhedden.org
Plein air painting with an artist’s wine & cheese reception and demonstrations.
The indoor exhibition will be up from October 1 – November 6, and will be a featured stop on the Maplewood/South Orange Art Studio Tour on November 5 and 6.
New Mexico
EXHIBITION: Painted Stories Show
September – October
Sponsoring Organization:
Venue: Abiquiu Inn Gallery
Website: milagropainters.com
The upcoming Painted Stories Show is an exciting exhibition from the Milagro Painters – five award winning New Mexico artists. Plein Air Painting is a time honored tradition in New Mexico. Each artist will have a dozen or more paintings in the show and it will run for two full months. All paintings will be available to take home and collectors may work with the Inn to acquire a painting that they want to take home.
New Jersey
2nd Annual Flemington Quick Draw
October 8
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.artventurenj.com
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Plein Air Festival
October 1–22
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.facebook.com/groups/658500458205853
Coastal Plein Air Art & Wine Festival
September – October
Sponsoring Organization: Florence Regional Art Alliance
Venue: Florence Events Center, Oregon
Website: fraaoregon.org/coastal-plein-air
Pennsylvania
Plein Air Painting at Laurel Hill Mansion
October 2, 16, 20
Sponsoring Organization: Women For Greater Philadelphia (WFGP)
Venue: Laurel Hill Mansion
Website: https://www.womenforgreaterphiladelphia.org/
Tennessee
Plein Air in the Park
September 25–October 2
Sponsoring Organization: Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Venue: Clayton Center for the Arts
City: Maryville, TN
Format: Invitational
Award Total: $15,000
Contact: Lauren Gass
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 865.257.4776
Website: www.friendsofthesmokies.org/pleinair
Welcome to Plein Air in the Park, the inaugural art event inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Twenty nationally acclaimed plein air artists will gather in the most-visited national park to capture the beauty and magic of the Smokies.
Texas
EnPleinAirTEXAS
October 22–29
Opening Reception: October 28
Sponsoring Organization: San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
Venue: Fort Concho National Historic Landmark
Format: Juried
Juror of Awards: Michael Obermeyer
Award Total: $30,000
Contact: Barbara Rallo
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 325.656.2500
Website: www.enpleinairtexas.com
In the 1920s plein air artists came to paint the clear spring waters of the South Concho River near San Angelo, Texas. The allure continues today as EnPleinAirTEXAS artists are invited to paint on iconic private ranches and soak up the genuine West Texas culture. Inspiration beckons at the eclectic downtown along the river, historic Fort Concho, the International Waterlily Gardens, and endless country roads. The nationally acclaimed San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts welcomes you with West Texas hospitality in host homes and innovative events.
Brushes by the Beach
October 23–November 8
Opening Reception: November 12
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: G. Lee Gallery, Galveston
Format: Open
Contact: Brenda Lee
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 409.370.7350
Website: www.gleegallery.net
Wrap up your plein air year with warmer weather on Galveston Island. Can’t travel to the Island? No worries, this open plein air event accepts online plein air submissions created anywhere in the U.S. within the event dates. But if you can come to the Island, your plein air challenges will reach from beach to bay, historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and a working port; Galveston affords artists a myriad of subjects. We enjoy welcoming back, year after year, beginners to pros. Cash prizes and ribbons awarded.
Virginia
Plein Air Abingdon
October 6–8
Opening Reception: October 6
Sponsoring Organization: Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Town of Abingdon
Venue: Town of Abingdon, Virginia
Format: Open
Contact: Deirdre Cole
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 276.623.5266
Website: www.pleinairabingdon.com
October in Southwestern Virginia: picture gently rolling hills, rural pastoral views, old barns, farms, mountains in the distance, in and around a vibrant yet historic town; it’s an artist’s dream! Presented by the Virginia Highlands Festival, Plein Air Abingdon is a juried, three-day event for artists and collectors, complete with fine dinners and wine tastings to gather and discuss, appreciate, create, and buy and sell art. Paintings created during this event will be displayed for sale in the prestigious William King Museum of Art. The Virginia Highlands Festival was created in 1949 to connect its community with creativity and craftsmanship.
Tidelands Plein Air Tappahannock
October 12–15
Opening Reception: October 12
Entry Deadline: October 12
Sponsoring Organization: Tappahannock Artist Guild (TAG)
Venue: TAG Gallery, 299 Prince Street
Format: Open
Contact: George Jennings
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 804.761.7432
Website: www.tapparts.org
A relaxed social plein air event with 40 artists painting in scenic Tappahannock and Essex County, Virginia. Featuring a Wednesday evening reception, a Friday afternoon waterfront picnic, and a Saturday evening framed wet paint exhibit with the annual TAG Fall Festival. No competition or expectations. Simply come paint with friends in the beautiful Tidelands of Central Virginia.
Painting Events Coming Soon:
Online:
Realism Live
November 10-12
Sponsoring Organization: Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine
Phone: 561.655.8778 or 800.610.5771
Website: www.realismlive.com
Save years of struggle and frustration by discovering techniques revealed by some of the world’s top artists in just 3-days during the largest online art training event November 10-12 with a beginner’s day on November 9th.
Visit EricRhoads.com to find out all the amazing opportunities and painting events for artists through Streamline Publishing, including:
– Online art conferences such as Plein Air Live
– New video workshops for artists
– Incredible art retreats and painting events
– Educational and fun art conventions, and much more.
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