Plein Air Easton (PAE) is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air painting competition in the United States. The annual competition is held in Easton, Maryland, each July. Artists from all over the world apply and 58 artists will be selected by a unique juror each year. Once selected, competing artists will travel to Easton to produce art from life (as opposed to in the studio).
Whether this is your first time attending Plein Air Easton, or if you’ve already built a stunning collection of PAE artwork, this overview can help prepare you for your experience at the 21st annual festival.
Plein Air Easton's Calendar of Events
The festival calendar features all of the demonstrations, paint-outs, parties, and exhibitions available during the festival, as well as supplementary events and local gallery demonstrations throughout the year.
Plein Air Easton (PAE) Headquarters
For one week only, Waterfowl Headquarters (40 S Harrison St.) will be transformed into the central hub for all things Plein Air Easton. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, this is your must-stop destination for a dynamic, ever-evolving exhibit of plein air art—available for purchase, comprehensive festival information to help you make the most of your visit, free professional artist demonstrations, interviews, and engaging discussions covering a wide range of topics. JFM Frames will open a pop-up shop in PAE Headquarters with wholesale frames, framing assistance, and supplies all week along.
No matter when you visit, PAE Headquarters offers a comfortable retreat from the summer heat. Surround yourself with fine art, watch art being created onstage during a demo, and order lunch and enjoy on-site in air-conditioned comfort.
Plein Air Easton Collector's Preview Party
The signature event of Plein Air Easton is truly an art lover’s dream, the Collector’s Preview Party! This exclusive ticketed event offers the first opportunity to see the stunning collection of artwork competing for thousands of dollars in prizes
Plein Air Easton Local Color Exhibit
Expand your art collection with sales at our official exhibits, the Working Artists Forum’s Local Color exhibit, and our many wonderful local art galleries.
Plein Air Easton Quick Draw Competition
Don’t miss our signature Quick Draw Competition, Exhibition, & Sale, a thrilling and fun event where anyone can paint or draw outdoors in downtown Easton. Witness the magic of hundreds of artworks being created right before your eyes!
Plein Air Easton Small Painting Sunday
We conclude our festival with Small Painting Sunday, another don’t-miss free event, a brand new exhibition and sale of small 6×8 paintings that have been created by the 58 competing artists.
Children's Programs at Plein Air Easton
For our visitors with children, the Children’s Programs section outlines all of our opportunities for our young artists to participate in Plein Air Easton. From competitions and awards to our week-long companion summer camp, Plein Air Easton is a great week for kids looking for an outlet for their creativity.
Learn & Paint at Plein Air Easton
Even if you are not one of our 58 juried artists, there are still many opportunities for you to paint at Plein Air Easton.
- Spend the evening strolling through downtown Easton, enjoying live music, special sales, and gallery receptions at the Kick-Off Block Party. Bring your paints and join us for the Nocturne Paint-Out after sunset.
- Learn painting techniques first-hand from Plein Air Easton artists and alumni throughout the festival at our many art demonstrations.
- Paint side-by-side with the pros and community members alike at our Quick Draw Competition, Exhibition, & Sale. Participants will have two hours and six blocks to capture the beauty and charm of the town with their art. Whether you’re a professional, an amateur, or a beginner, everyone will enjoy this challenging opportunity.
Get to Know the Plein Air Easton Participants
Learn all about this year’s juried artists, judge, and jurist, as well as the illustrious history of the festival through the competition artworks, on our newly launched Plein Air Easton website.
Support the Plein Air Easton Festival
There is no better way to get the perfect new artwork for your collection than by joining the Friends of Plein Air Easton membership program. Perks of becoming a Friend of Plein Air Easton include tickets to the exclusive Meet the Artists Party, tickets to the Collectors’ Preview Party, and exclusive purchase privileges.
This is far from a comprehensive list of the many opportunities for fun and learning at Plein Air Easton. For a full list of events and information, visit pleinaireaston.com. We look forward to seeing you in July!
Plan Your Visit to Talbot County for Plein Air Easton
This is far from a comprehensive list of the many opportunities for fun and learning at Plein Air Easton. For a full list of events and information, visit pleinaireaston.com.
If you’re coming in for the festival, there are a few lodging options within walking distance. Check out our guide on the best places to stay in Easton. A variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rental properties are available throughout Talbot County to meet the needs of your travel party.
