Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival

05/13/2026

What are you doing this weekend? We're going to Oxford!

The 42nd Oxford Fine Arts Fair returns May 15–17, 2026, at the Oxford Community Center in Oxford, MD, celebrating three days of art, culture, and community while supporting year-round programming at the Center. This year’s event is chaired by Erika Long and juried by acclaimed artist Gavin Glakas, bringing a dynamic and highly regarded selection of regional and local artists to the exhibition.

Festivities begin with an elegant Preview Party Gala on Friday, May 15 (6–8 PM) featuring live music by Julie Parson’s Band, hors d’oeuvres, and wine, followed by a full weekend of art, demonstrations, live music, raffles, and local food—including the Center’s signature strawberry shortcake—on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 at the door for the weekend, and a portion of all sales supports the Oxford Community Center’s cultural and educational programs.

05/07/2026

05/04/2026

A few spots remain for our kids camps! Grab them quick!

04/28/2026

Join us this summer at the Avalon as we celebrate America’s birthday with a creative cross-country adventure! Campers will “road trip” through the USA using literature and art, bringing their discoveries to life on stage.

This introductory arts camp is designed to nurture creativity and build confidence through engaging activities in visual art, acting, singing, storytelling, and movement—all while having plenty of fun! Give your child a summer full of creativity, confidence, and unforgettable memories!

ROADTRiPPiNG THROUGH THE USA:
EARLY CHILDHOOD ARTS EXPLORATION
SESSION 1: JUNE 22-26
SESSION 2: JULY 6-10
SESSION 4: JULY 20-24
SESSION 5: JULY 27-31
SESSION 6 AUGUST 3-7

Message the Avalon for more details to register!
(410) 822-0345
Box Office Phone: (410) 822-7299
General Email: [email protected]

04/24/2026

Marie & Jess D made a special trip to New Jersey to pick up an incredibly generous donation from BLICK Art Materials for Plein Air Easton and our summer camps!

Huge thanks to PAE artist and former Grand Prize winner Joe Gyurcsak for hosting us and helping coordinate this amazing gift of premier art supplies—our artists (and future artists!) are so grateful.

02/06/2026

The Wait is Over! Announcing the 2026 Plein Air Easton Competition Artists

Preparations for the 22nd Annual Plein Air Easton Competition & Arts Festival officially launch today! Acclaimed artist, Mark Boedges, has selected the final roster of talent for this summer’s event. After he completed his selections, Mark shared, "It was a great honor to select the participating artists, and a great deal of work as well, considering the extraordinary level of talent among the entrants. I strived to select a group of artists with strong and unique visions, and thus to create an event with broad appeal to collectors and art lovers alike."

Check out the graphic below to see if your favorite artist made the list! 👇

Visit www.pleinaireaston.com for the full schedule

01/16/2026

Plein Air Easton is an art competition AND a week-long art exhibit. There are 58 artists at the heart of it all - you could be one of them!
Apply TODAY (the application window closes at midnight Pacific time, January 16th) - OnlineJuriedShows.com

will be reviewing submissions and selecting artists then return in 2027 as competition judge.

ENTER TODAY!

01/15/2026

You bring your talent, creativity, and inspiration. We'll provide stunning locations, enthusiastic collectors, and a community of thrilled volunteers, spectators and visitors who have been waiting all year for this special week!!

Plein Air Easton - The Largest Plein Air Event in the World
Juror: Mark Boedges
Total Awards: over $30k
Deadline: January 16!! Only through OnlineJuriedShows.com

01/15/2026

Artists! There are only 2 days left to apply. We asked last year's artists what they would tell other artists about applying for Plein Air Easton -

"Absolutely apply! It was the best art experience I have ever had!!"
"Pick your best work and by all means apply!"
"Be ready for a marathon week but it’s fun!"
"Always give it your best shot and bring an umbrella for shade and rain."
"Just give it a try. I was thrilled and surprised to get in myself. It will inspire you and grow you in so many ways. You will make good friends and be encouraged."
"Great event! Apply!"
"Save your best work for your application and if coming from cooler climates be really prepared for the heat!"
"Do it !"
"Just do it!"
"Keep painting plein air work all throughout the year and keep applying. Submit variety of subjects in your entry. Strive to be authentic in your artistic style."
"You never know. Just put forth the paintings you have recently done that are your most original and brave. Don’t try to conform. Just keep painting from the inside out and sooner or later you just might get lucky. And when you do, you will want to come back. It’s such a privilege to paint here."
"Be prepared but don't over think it - just do what makes you successful."
"You don’t know if you’ll get in unless you apply and try. It’s not as intimidating as you might think it is."
"It the best plein air event out there."
"I would tell them how amazingly well the artists are treated, that the scenery so diverse and excellent for painting, lot of collectors come and great prizes!"

Pictured: first timer Josh Hoffman, 3rd place winner, 2025

Apply TODAY: OnlineJuriedShows.com

01/06/2026

We're thrilled to announce this year's juror (will select the competing artists for the 22nd Plein Air Easton) and next year's judge is Mark Boedges.!
https://www.pleinaireaston.com/articles/juror-reveal-2026-competition