Prospectus: Plein Air Easton 2026
Competition Overview
Presented by: Avalon Foundation
A nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Eastern Shore community through accessible arts, education, and cultural programming. The Avalon Foundation also oversees the historic Avalon Theatre and produces Plein Air Easton with support from Friends of Plein Air Easton, the Talbot County Arts Council, corporate sponsors, and our vibrant local community.
Opportunity Summary:
Now in its 22nd year, Plein Air Easton is the largest and most prestigious outdoor painting competition in the United States. Artists selected for this juried event will paint on location for one week in Talbot County, Maryland, and exhibit their work in a nationally acclaimed museum. The event offers high visibility, strong sales, and meaningful connections with collectors, curators, and fellow artists.
Key Dates and Venue
· Application submission Deadline: January 16, 2026, 11:59pm PST
· Notification of Acceptance: February 6, 2026 (online through OnlineJuriedShows.com and via email from Marie@avalonfoundation.org)
· Time Commitment for Juried Artists
o Juried artists are strongly encouraged to arrive by Thursday, July 9, 2026, for the orientation and official canvas stamping, which marks the start of the competition painting period.
o Competition Painting Period: July 9–16, 2026
· Artists are required to complete and submit two (2) competition paintings and one (1) 6x8 painting during this time.
· All competition paintings must be turned in by 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 16.
· Final Weekend Events (Highly Recommended): Artists are encouraged to stay through the weekend July 17-19 to participate in and enjoy: the Collectors’ Preview Party & Awards Ceremony, Quick Draw Competition, the Judge’s talk and Small Painting Sunday. These events offer excellent exposure, sales opportunities, and community engagement.
· Exhibition Dates:
o Non-competition works: July 12–19 at PAE Headquarters Exhibit and Sale, Easton, MD
o Competition paintings: July 17–19, 2026 at Academy Art Museum, Easton, MD
· Artwork Delivery: In-person, during the event
· Artwork Pickup: Unsold works must be picked up by close of show – 4pm, July 19, 2026
· Awards and Benefits:
o Awards in excess of $30k
o Sales opportunities (2025 event sales exceeded $625K)
o National recognition
o Complimentary host housing. Meals provided during select events
· Transportation costs are the responsibility of the artist.
Eligibility and Artwork Requirements
· Who Can Apply: Any artist who paints en plein air. Local artists from Maryland’s Eastern Shore counties (Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester) receive an additional opportunity for selection.
· Mediums: All paint mediums accepted. Your submission images do not limit the medium you use during the event—bring your full range of creativity.
· Originality Requirements: Submitted work must be original, painted en plein air by you within the past two years. Studio work is not accepted.
· Artwork Specifications:
o Submission: Three high-resolution digital images
o No frames, backgrounds, or blurry images
o Images must be jpg, under 4 mb, and in sRGB colorspace. For best results, images should be at least 1920 pixels on the longest side @ 72 dpi
o For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351
· Number of Entries: Three images per applicant
Entry Process and Fees
· How to Apply: Submit online via OnlineJuriedShows.com. Log in and click Enter This Show above to begin
· Digital Image Requirements: Three high-resolution digital images
· Fees: $50 registration fee (due at submission)
Judging and Awards
· Juror & Judge: A new juror is selected each year; that juror becomes the judge the following year. This year’s competition judge is Mary Morton. The juror is to be determined.
· Jurying Process:
o Anonymous review of digital submissions
o Juror selects 52 artists (Six are invited from the prior year’s competition: Grand Prize, Artists Choice, Second Place, Third Place, ESLC Alumni Invitational, and Quick Draw First Place)
o Local artists are reviewed separately for 3 additional slots
Contact Information
· Event Director: Marie Nuthall
o Phone: 410-924-7279
o Email: marie@avalonfoundation.org
o Website: PleinAirEaston.com
All applications must be submitted online by January 16, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Event Director, Marie Nuthall at 410-924-7279 or marie@avalonfoundation.org. For help with your entries, contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is Plein Air Easton?
Plein Air Easton is a juried outdoor painting competition produced by the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the Eastern Shore community through arts and culture. The event attracts top plein air painters from around the world and offers significant sales opportunities, national recognition, and community engagement.
Why should I apply?
Plein Air Easton consistently achieves the highest art sales of any plein air event in the U.S. It is widely regarded as one of the most rewarding outdoor art festivals, offering:
· Awards exceeding $30,000
· Strong collector presence
· Complimentary host housing
· Meals at select events
· Exhibition in an accredited museum
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The $50 fee is non-refundable.
Who can apply?
Any artist who paints en plein air. All paint mediums are accepted. Local artists from Maryland’s Eastern Shore counties receive additional consideration for three reserved slots.
What is the application process?
· Submit three high-resolution digital images via OnlineJuriedShows.com
· Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee
· Deadline: January 16, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
A Former Juror’s Advice for a Strong Submission
· Submit recent plein air work (within the last two years)
· Avoid frames, backgrounds, and blurry images
· Ensure proper lighting and straight alignment
· Consider subject diversity—avoid submitting three similar landscapes
· Reflect the medium you plan to use during the event
What should I expect if accepted?
· Dates: July 9–16, 2026 (competition period); July 17–19 (final weekend events)
· Required paintings: Two competition paintings and one 6x8 painting (from blank canvases stamped at orientation)
· Orientation & Canvas Stamping: Thursday, July 9, 2026
· Housing: Complimentary host housing provided
· Meals: Provided at select official events
· Sales: Additional non-competition works may be exhibited at PAE Headquarters (up to 8 at a time)
Is transportation provided?
Artists are responsible for their own travel to and from Easton, MD.
What if host housing is unavailable?
We will make every effort to provide host housing. Special requests will be accommodated to the best of our ability.
What is the commission rate on sales?
Gallery commission rates apply; details will be provided upon acceptance.
What about weather?
July in Easton typically brings temperatures in the 80s (°F) with high humidity, which can make conditions feel warmer. Artists should plan ahead by staying hydrated, avoiding painting during the hottest part of the day, and knowing basic self-care for heat exposure. These conditions can also lead to occasional thunderstorms, so be prepared for changing weather and have a plan for painting in varied conditions.
Are there size limits for competition paintings?
Competition paintings completed size (frame inclusive) is 44”wide x 48” tall
Can I paint from photos or sketches during the event?
No. All competition paintings must be created en plein air, completed materially onsite and include the official Plein Air Easton dated competition stamp to be eligible for judging and awards.
Can I participate in Quick Draw if I’m not juried in?
Yes! Quick Draw is open to all artists.
Can unsold works be shipped instead of picked up?
Yes, shipping arrangements can be made for unsold works.