Forever the Forest

While Plein Air Easton is celebrated for its sunlit waterfronts, charming streetscapes, and vibrant summer landscapes, one exhibition offers visitors a chance to step into a cooler, quieter world.

The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) and Plein Air Easton are proud to present the third annual partnership: Forever the Forest Alumni Invitational, a unique exhibition held during the 22nd Plein Air Easton Festival.

This special exhibition brings together some of the most accomplished artists in contemporary plein air painting, all of whom are alumni of Plein Air Easton and past award winners invited back to participate in this meaningful conservation-focused event.

Unlike the main festival, which celebrates the beauty of the Eastern Shore in midsummer, Forever the Forest showcases the rich colors and textures of the region's woodlands in the Autumn. Artists were invited to create either traditional plein air paintings or studio works inspired by reference photographs of forests permanently conserved by ESLC. The result is a stunning collection that highlights the vibrant beauty of the Eastern Shore's fall foliage while telling the story of land conservation across the region.

Visitors will encounter scenes of thriving wildlife habitat, sustainably managed tree farms, secluded pocket forests, and ESLC's own Jim and Mary B. Lynch Preserve—a more than 200-acre public preserve in Caroline County. Every landscape featured in the exhibition represents land that has been permanently protected through conservation easements stewarded by ESLC.

A Festival Within the Festival

Located inside Easton's historic Tidewater Inn, Forever the Forest offers a welcome retreat from the summer heat. Guests can immerse themselves in cool, shaded woodland scenes while enjoying one of downtown Easton's most beloved gathering places.

Throughout the festival, the exhibition will serve as more than just a gallery. Visitors are encouraged to return for a variety of engaging programs, including photography discussions, community art activities, children's programming, meditative tea experiences hosted by For All Seasons, and screenings of ESLC's new mini-documentary on healthy forest stewardship.

The documentary features insights from ESLC President & CEO Steve Kline, Maryland Forestry Association President Beth Hill, NRCS Regional Wildlife Biologist Erin Baker, and Rick Abend of Abend Hafen Tree Farm, exploring the importance of responsible forest management and conservation across the Eastern Shore.

Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony

The exhibition officially opens with a reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Tidewater Inn in downtown Easton.

Guests will enjoy refreshments, remarks from project partners, recognition of participating artists, presentation of awards, and a screening of ESLC's new forestry documentary.

A Peaceful Pour

Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Tidewater Inn

Start your festival day with a moment of reflection during A Peaceful Pour. Hosted by For All Seasons, this daily gathering offers complimentary hot and iced herbal teas accompanied by calming music within the gallery space.

Visitors can also receive self-care resources created by For All Seasons, highlighting practical mental wellness and coping strategies.

Focal Points: A Conversation with Dylan Taillie

Thursday, July 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Tidewater Inn

Join photographer and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Coastal Analyst Dylan Taillie for an engaging discussion about conservation, photography, and climate resilience.

Taillie will share stories from his experience photographing ESLC's conserved forests, offer tips for creating strong outdoor reference photography, and discuss his work helping communities on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore adapt to climate-related challenges through innovative mapping and conservation initiatives.

Participating Plein Air Easton Alumni Artists

This year's invitational features an exceptional roster of nationally recognized artists:

• Paul Bachem
• David Csont
• Ken DeWaard
• Ron Donoughe
• Martin Geiger
• Joshua Hoffman
• Tim Kelly
• Nikolai Mikushkin
• Diane DuBois Mullaly
• Sara Poly
• Lori Putnam
• Julia Rogers
• Patrick Saunders
• Murray Taylor
• Lyudmila Tomova-Clark

Several participating artists will also present demonstrations during Plein Air Easton, offering visitors additional opportunities to learn from some of the festival's most celebrated painters.

Exhibition Dates & Hours

Opening Reception
Thursday, July 9 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Gallery Hours

• Friday, July 10 | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 11 – Tuesday, July 14 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 15 | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 16 – Saturday, July 18 | 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The exhibition remains open throughout Plein Air Easton and offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience both world-class artwork and the inspiring story of conservation on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

ESLC extends special thanks to Bruce Wiltse and Bill Davenport for their generous support, as well as the Avalon Foundation, Plein Air Easton, participating landowners, property managers, artists, and photographers who made this year's exhibition possible. Proceeds from artwork sales support ESLC's mission to conserve, steward, and advocate for the unique rural landscapes of Maryland's Eastern Shore.