Plein Air at the Arboretum 2023 is the State Arboretum of Virginia's inaugural plein air event. This four-day event begins on Wednesday, September 27 when artists will gather to paint on over 700 acres of picturesque gardens, meadows, lakes and trails, wetland, woodlands, and the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the arboretum. It will run through Saturday, September 30th.
Artists can paint on all four days or pick and choose days and times. Once registration is confirmed and supports have been stamped, artists can paint from dawn to dusk through Friday evening. All artists should plan to paint on Saturday, September 30 when the public will be invited.
Completing the plein event will be a Quick Draw Competition to be judged by award winning plein air artist, Jill Banks, and a Wet Paint Sale and Exhibit, to be judged by Virginia's own, nationally-renowned artist Gavin Glakas. NOVA Plein Air Artists is proud and honored to partner with Blandy Experimental Farm/State Arboretum of Virginia are partnering on this artstic venture.