This year’s Wayne Plein Air juror and acclaimed artist, Larry Moore of South Carolina selected 32 nationally recognized painters to compete for over $25,000 in cash prizes which will be awarded at the Collectors’ Preview & Sale on Saturday, May 10. The Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival Exhibition will be on display from May 11 through June 21, 2025.
The multi-day competition will begin on Sunday, May 4. Over the next six days and traveling to numerous locations within a 30 mile radius of ... view more »
This year’s Wayne Plein Air juror and acclaimed artist, Larry Moore of South Carolina selected 32 nationally recognized painters to compete for over $25,000 in cash prizes which will be awarded at the Collectors’ Preview & Sale on Saturday, May 10. The Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival Exhibition will be on display from May 11 through June 21, 2025.
The multi-day competition will begin on Sunday, May 4. Over the next six days and traveling to numerous locations within a 30 mile radius of Wayne, artists will create approximately 300 original works, drawing inspiration from the charming towns, pastoral farms, historical architecture and lush landscapes found throughout our region. All paintings will be completed on site and from direct observation which is what it means to paint “en plein air.”
“I am always impressed with the caliber of these paintings,” said Wayne Art Center Plein Air Founder and Executive Director, Nancy Campbell. “We are thrilled to have new artists join us while welcoming back several participants of earlier festivals. The artists’ enthusiasm, along with the generosity of our many business sponsors, patrons and volunteers, shows how valued this festival is to our community.”
The Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival launches with a private welcome event at a local patron’s picturesque farm on Sunday, May 4. Artists arrive with blank canvases which are stamped to ensure that all work is original. Then the race begins to create as many fresh and new works as possible.
The week culminates with a Collectors’ Preview & Sale on Saturday, May 10 at the Wayne Art Center in the Davenport, Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith and Vidinghoff Galleries. Doors open precisely at 6 pm for those with early viewing tickets and 7 pm for regular admission. The evening offers a chance to meet the artists in a festive and elegant setting with an open bar and savory hors d’oeuvres by Catering by Design. Martinis will flow from a hand-sculpted ice luge created by Peter Slavin of Ice Sculpture Philly, and Phyllis Chapell and Dave Postmontier’s live jazz music will create a celebratory environment in which to purchase these freshly painted masterpieces.
The success of the Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival is made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Plein Air Committee and the support and generosity of local businesses, patrons and event attendees. Funds raised benefit Wayne Art Center’s diverse array of arts education, exhibitions and outreach programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. This year’s major sponsors include PNC Private Bank, the Archie W. and Grace Berry Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation.
The community is invited to participate in several Plein Air activities:
Monday, May 5, Plein Air artist Qiang Huang (Texas) will give a lecture on the Color of Science.
Sunday, May 11, 11 am – 1 pm: Minis and Mimosas for Moms, featuring miniature plein air paintings for sale.
Sunday, May 11, 1 pm: Juror’s Lecture – Larry Moore
Tuesday, Wednesday, May 13-14, 10 am – 4:00 pm: Still Life Painting Workshop with Qiang Huang.
Friday, May 16, 10 am – 4:30 pm: Floral Design & Painting Workshop with Jennifer Reed & Jan Wier
Saturday, May 17, 11 am – 12:30 pm: Pizza Box Plein Air for Kids.
Wednesday, May 21, 5:30-7:30 pm: Looking at Ardrossan Through the Archives Lecture and Book Signing with David Wren.
Wednesday, June 4, 6-7 pm: Plein Air Lecture with William Perthes, Director of Adult Education, Barnes Foundation.
Thursday, June 12, 6:30-9 pm: French Provencal Dinner with Chef Gauthron and Sommelier Walsh
Saturday, June 21, 2- 4 pm: Closing Reception,
Additionally, Plein Air Artists will conduct Plein Air Painting Demonstrations throughout the Festival Exhibition.
Please visit www.waynepleinair.org to register for these dynamic events.
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