Plein Air Festivals in the Mid-Atlantic

05-23-2011

 

 

Artists paint outdoors capturing regional landscapes on canvas

 

(U.S. MID-ATLANTIC – May 17, 2011) One of the world’s most notable plein air artists, French impressionist Claude Monet would have adored capturing the landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic region. From waves crashing on Atlantic Ocean beaches, to the sun setting on the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, to the charming shops in quaint villages and the busy streets of major cities, to tree-covered mountains reaching for the stars, the variety of landscapes in the Mid-Atlantic provide nearly endless hours of painting for artists who prefer to work outdoors.

             From now through early fall, communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic host plein air festivals where artists are invited to paint, then display or auction, their newly completed works. Find a fresh event in the list below:

 

Delaware

Historic New Castle hosts a 4-day Plein Air Festival culminating in A Day in Old New Castle, a house and garden tour traditionally held the third Saturday in May. Artists celebrate historic buildings, private homes on cobblestone streets and carefully manicured gardens in this 350-year-old town on the Delaware River. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.visitwilmingtonde.com.

Rehoboth Beach Paint Out! More than fifty artists will be competing to win prizes. There will be opportunities to watch artists at work, purchase the completed art and enjoy the sites of downtown Rehoboth Beach through the eyes of the Plein Air contestants. May 20 – 22, 2011.  www.visitsoutherndelaware.com

 

Maryland

Several of Maryland’s quaint towns and charming villages host plein air events throughout the seasons. In addition to simply watching painters capture the essence of our streetscapes and landscapes, visitors can often purchase original works directly from the artists. Our online calendar of events lists most Maryland plein air festivals. Maryland Office of Tourism,  www.visitmaryland.org.

Each September, thousands of art lovers, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and curiosity seekers gather to watch thirty juried plein air landscape artists paint outdoors for three days in Historic Annapolis duringPaint Annapolis. An exhibition and sale follows, and prizes are awarded to artists who best capture the spirit of Annapolis. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

Celebrate the beauty of spring and the Chesapeake Bay at the Solomons Plein Air Street Faire, May 12-14. Festivities include a quick draw contest, artsy activities at Annmarie Garden, “Taste of Solomons” and a gala, “Affaire of the Arts.” The many shops, restaurants and galleries of Solomons will be open. Calvert County Department of Economic Development,www.ecalvert.com.

Watch artists at work and see historic Frederick through their eyes and imaginations during Easels in Frederick, our inaugural plein air event on June 22 - 25, 2011. Discover more about this event and Frederick’s vibrant art scene by visiting our website or contacting us. Tourism Council of Frederick County, Maryland, www.fredericktourism.org.

With views of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River, historic lighthouse, picturesque homes and store fronts, Havre de Grace is a charming location, rich in history, hosting its 5^th Annual Plein Air Painting Competition the weekend of September 14 – 17, 2011 The competition is hosted by Art Union, 410-939-9342. http://www.hdgpleinair.com. Harford County Tourism, www.harfordmd.com/

Ellicott City…Paint It! A Community Plein Air Art Event…Ellicott City’s scenic vistas and bohemian charm serve as the muse to regional artists painting on-site July 7—11, 2011. Watch artists working amongst the heritage sites, delightful shops, gorgeous gardens and handsome homes. An artist reception is the weekend’s grand finale. Howard County Tourism Office,  www.visithowardcounty.com

Witness Plein Air - Easton!, a dynamic painting competition and festival. Explore one of the most picturesque small art towns on the East Coast while interacting with the nation's top plein qir painters. Favorite events include the Quick Draw Competition and Quick Draw Competition - The Next Generation. www.Pleinaireaston.com Talbot County Office of Tourism,  www.tourtalbot.org

Mark your calendar for Snow Hill Plein Air on April 20-22, 2012 (always held the third weekend in April). Artists paint Friday and Saturday and hold a ‘wet paint’ sale on Sunday. The event is sponsored by Bishop’s Stock Fine Art & Craft and Wine Gallery, 410-632-3555, www.bishopsstock.com. Worcester County Tourism, , www.visitworcester.org

 

Pennsylvania

The first annual Brandywine Valley Plein Air festival will be held September 25- October 2, 2011. Plein air artists from across the nation will create original paintings, drawings and photographs of the region with emphasis on the special contributions of the DuPont family estates, museums and mills. Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau,www.BrandywineValley.com.

The Plein Air Camp Hill Competition & Arts Festival takes place June 3-5, 2011. The festival includes art exhibits, workshops, lectures and music. Competing artists must turn in two framed and ready to be hung artworks. Artists may paint within Camp Hill or the adjoining boroughs of Lemoyne and Wormleysburg. Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, www.visitcumberlandvalley.com

As part of the Gettysburg Festival, plein air artists will gather at some of the country’s most historic landmarks and battlegrounds to capture the essence of this famous Civil War town. Painting and exhibitions take place June 10-19 at locations throughout Gettysburg. Gettysburg Convention and Visitor Bureau,  www.gettysburg.travel.

Downtown Lewisburg hosts a two-week long celebration of the arts. On April 30, the “Market Street Festival” features more than 150 juried artists, set up along Market Street in a plein air style, plus local entertainment and food. “Lewisburg Live” on May 14 features 8-10 bands in venues throughout downtown. Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau,www.VisitCentralPa.org

Virginia

Via Colori is a modern day version of a centuries-old tradition in which artists create large artworks directly on the pavement of city streets. Fredericksburg, Virginia’s historic district hosts the second annual event September 24 and 25, 2011. Find more information at http://www.visitfred.com/visitors/events/events.aspx?etid=1&em=9&ey=2011. Greater Fredericksburg Tourism Partnership,  www.visitfred.com

Historical sites in downtown Roanoke will be the focal point on Saturday, September 24^th, as regional artists create works of art at a plein air event to highlight Roanoke’s architectural heritage and the need to preserve and protect historically significant buildings in the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.visitroanokeva.com.

 

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