For most of the last 16 years, Plein Air Easton has been the largest and most prestigious outdoor painting competition in the nation. Annually, artists from across the globe hope to become one of the 58 juried artists who get to compete for prizes and art sales in the heat of July on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We were all systems go on the 2020 Plein Air Easton Festival when the world was brought to a screeching halt this March with the spread of deadly COVID-19. By having all of their revenue streams closed, canceled, or postponed until 2021, many artists have been devastated.  

Plein Air Easton is the work of the Avalon Foundation, whose sole purpose is to build a stronger community by producing events that bring people together in shared experience. Due to the pandemic, the Avalon Foundation’s operations have suffered in many ways, creating uncertain and stressful times for many of its stakeholders, and for the community at large. Individuals and businesses that have renewed their support of the Foundation and Plein Air Easton have been a saving grace during this existential threat to the Foundation’s work. With July fast approaching and safety continuing to be everyone’s chief priority, organizers have felt called to find ways to pivot Plein Air Easton programming so as to support artists, build community and to ensure that the event will survive well into the future.  

This year, Plein Air Easton will be radically different. It will rely on fewer artists, specifically those who were juried into the 2020 competition and find themselves able to safely travel to Easton this summer to participate. Instead of a festival and competition, Plein Air Easton 2020 will instead be a series of small, safe events, paint-outs and special opportunities to thank its supporters, the Friends of Plein Air. Artists and patrons will be spread throughout Talbot County to prevent crowds. At the final exhibition and show, held in an Easton facility in excess of 10,000 sq./ft., masks will be required. This area ensures that every safety precaution can be taken. Instead of the pressure and intensity of most years, participating artists will be able to explore, to paint at their own pace and to enjoy a schedule that provides peace and camaraderie with friends and community members.  

As in years past, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy the festival from afar through streaming content on Plein Air Easton’s website, YouTube and Facebook. For those who are members of vulnerable populations, Plein Air Easton can arrange for private times inside the gallery by appointment or even viewings of select paintings brought right to their doorstep (Local Only).

It feels a bit remarkable that Talbot County will get to enjoy any of Plein Air Easton’s positive vibes this year, especially as it seems that every day more cancellations are announced. This year’s schedule would not be possible without the support of the Friends of Plein Air, especially those longtime host-level sponsors Bill and Doris Neilsen, Ellen Vatne, Bruce Wiltse, and Bill Davenport. Further, the events themselves would not be possible without the innovation, willingness, flexibility and support from the Avalon Foundation’s community partners who have truly stepped up to save the day (Town of Easton, Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, Oxford Business Association, Oxford Community Center, Wylder Hotel and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum). The final and key piece in making Plein Air Easton’s 2020 Events possible came from the generosity of the Stoltz Family who provided a safe venue for our large exhibition.  

According to Avalon Foundation, CEO, Al Bond, “This July you can expect to find yourself smiling again, as you happen upon artists quietly painting your favorite local landscape. I encourage you to take the time to safely check out the exhibition and shows spread across the county and in the Plein Air Easton Exhibition Hall in Easton. Consider making this the year to expand your art collection. If you are like me, you have been staring at your walls too much.”

Paintings produced in 2020 will stand as records of this truly historic year. Certified with a special stamp on the back as Plein Air Easton Pandemic Paintings, owning one will be an enduring symbol of your generosity and support of the arts community during a very dark, challenging and uncertain time. Find the time to feel community pride and joy this summer. Support Plein Air Easton and its artists.  

For the full schedule of events, please visit our website www.pleinaireaston.com

Plein Air Easton is the work of the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community on the Eastern Shore by creating accessible, uplifting arts, education, and cultural experiences that appeal to the interests of a diverse population and which ensure the long term viability of the historic Avalon Theatre. This event is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot County Arts Council, and donations from corporations, small businesses, media outlets, Friends of Plein Air Easton, sponsorships and strong community involvement.

For additional information, email info@pleinaireaston.com or call the Plein Air Easton hotline at 410.822.7297.