Everything You Need to Know

Each July, the charming town of Easton transforms into a living canvas for one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals: Plein Air Easton. For ten vibrant days, artists, collectors, and visitors come together to celebrate creativity in real time—watching masterpieces emerge brushstroke by brushstroke across Talbot County’s landscapes, streets, and waterfronts.

Here’s your guide to experiencing the full arc of this unforgettable week.

July 10 – Kickoff Celebration: Art Takes Over Downtown

The festival begins with an energetic, community-wide celebration in downtown Easton. A highlight of the evening is the Community Paint-Out, featuring a giant collaborative paint-by-numbers led by acclaimed artist Maggii Sarfaty—an open invitation for everyone to pick up a brush and contribute.

Live music by Dinah Denise sets the tone as visitors enjoy a lively Gallery Walk filled with artist meet-and-greets, special exhibits, and refreshments. Local shops join in with special promotions, adding to the festive, town-wide atmosphere.

As the evening unfolds, the celebration continues at the historic Avalon Theatre with Groove/Factory’s production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Written by Steve Martin, the play imagines a humorous and thought-provoking meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein—a perfect theatrical companion to a day centered on creativity.

As night falls, artists of all levels gather for the Nocturne Paint-Out along Harrison Street, painting under the stars in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere.

July 11 – Meet the Artists at Cedar Point Farm

One of the festival’s most beloved traditions, the Meet the Artists Party takes place at the breathtaking Cedar Point Farm, a historic Eastern Shore estate. Guests wander the grounds as artists paint en plein air, capturing sweeping waterfront views and lush landscapes in real time.

Freshly completed works—often still wet—are displayed for immediate purchase, offering a rare chance to take home art created just moments before. With live music, cocktails, and a stunning natural setting, the evening blends elegance with artistic spontaneity.

The night can continue back in Easton with another performance of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, reinforcing the festival’s seamless blend of visual and performing arts.

July 12 – Paint Oxford Day

Just a short trip from Easton, Oxford offers a picture-perfect setting for a full day of painting. Surrounded by water and rich in colonial history, the town becomes an open-air studio as artists capture its charm.

Visitors can explore exhibits, attend demonstrations, and enjoy the Paint Oxford Exhibit & Sale at the Oxford Community Center. Don’t miss a stop at the beloved Scottish Highland Creamery, often ranked among the best in the country.

The day concludes with more theatre and celebration, tying together art, place, and performance.

July 13 – Paint Tilghman

On Tilghman Island, the pace slows and the scenery shifts to working waterfronts and Chesapeake Bay vistas. Artists spread out across marinas, backroads, and shoreline views, capturing the essence of this historic watermen’s community.

The day builds toward the Paint Tilghman Exhibit & Sale at the Tilghman Island Inn, where freshly completed works are showcased against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.

July 14 – Paint-In at Headquarters

Back in Easton, Plein Air Easton Headquarters becomes a hub of artistic exploration. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, browse newly completed works, and experience a special Paint-In featuring costumed models for figure studies.

It’s an intimate look at the discipline behind the art—where technique, observation, and creativity intersect.

July 15 – Art & Conservation with ESLC

In partnership with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Plein Air Easton highlights the connection between art and environmental stewardship. Alumni artists paint protected landscapes across the region, including parks and conservation areas funded through Maryland’s Program Open Space.

The resulting works debut at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center, celebrating both artistic excellence and the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty.

July 16–19 – Exhibitions, Awards & Grand Finale

The final days of the festival are packed with exhibitions, demonstrations, and special events:

• The Local Color Exhibition at Christ Church showcases regional talent.
• The prestigious Competition Gallery at the Academy Art Museum features top works from 58 juried artists.
• Collectors' Preview Party - an exclusive, ticketed event
• The Quick Draw competition brings high-energy painting to the streets, with artists racing against the clock to create and sell fresh pieces.
• Family-friendly Next Generation Art Stations inspire young artists to join in the creative spirit.

The festival culminates with Small Painting Sunday, awards presentations, and a final opportunity to view—and purchase—extraordinary works before they disappear into private collections.

Why Plein Air Easton Matters

What sets Plein Air Easton apart isn’t just the caliber of its artists—it’s the immersive experience. Here, art isn’t confined to gallery walls. It happens everywhere: on sidewalks, along rivers, under tents, and beneath twilight skies.

From the first brushstroke on July 10 to the final sale on July 19, the festival invites you to slow down, look closer, and engage with creativity in its most immediate form.

Spend the day, stay for the night, and discover why Plein Air Easton is more than an event—it’s a celebration of art, community, and the enduring beauty of the Eastern Shore.