The Friends of Plein Air Easton are a group of active supporters who ensure that Plein Air Easton exists and thrives into the future. Plein Air Easton is not a single event or moment but a series of meaningful experiences where opportunities to engage, learn and explore the Eastern Shore's stunning geography, art and culture abound.
Friends have the opportunity to attend the Meet the Artists Party and be a part of a unique art experience reminiscent of gilded age paint outs on the great estates of that time. Attendees are encouraged to walk the grounds of the property and watch the 58 competing artists capture the moment on canvas. It is also an opportunity to take note of whose artwork to watch throughout the week. The day's work will then assembled for show & sale, followed by a lavish dinner under the stars shared by the competing artists and art patrons alike.
This year’s Meet the Artist Event will be held at the home of Alice Ryan, owner of the historic waterfront estate known as Knightly. The estate was built in the 1820s as a plantation with a federal style brick house by Edward Lloyd for his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Edward Winder. It is one of five dowager houses created by the Lloyd family. Today, Knightly is an 81-acre estate and farm on Leeds Creek, in Talbot County. The current owner, Alice Ryan, moved to the property in 2005 and continues renovations to the house and gardens in keeping with the craftsmanship of the 19th century. The property consists of 42 tilled acres with the balance consisting of ponds, fenced pastures, outbuildings and a formal garden of 3 acres. The formal garden was a renovation project which began late in 2005 and completed in 2010 with an ongoing infusion of color happening every year.
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 to ensure the long term viability of the historic Avalon Theatre. Your support may be tax deductible. Individual benefits are listed below.
2019 Friends of Plein Air Easton Benefits – Individual Sponsorship
Host - $10,000 includes:
- An invitation for 2 to preview the 2019 Competition Galleries
- 4 tickets to the exclusive Friday Night Collectors’ Party*
- 10 tickets to the “Meet the Artists Party” with a reserved table
- An invitation for 2 to the Artists & Volunteers Barbeque
- Listing in the Festival’s program and website as a Host Sponsor
Benefactor - $5,000 includes:
- 2 tickets to the exclusive Friday Night Collectors’ Party*
- 10 tickets to the “Meet the Artists Party” with a reserved table
- An invitation for 2 to the Artists & Volunteers Barbeque
- Listing in the Festival’s program & website as a Benefactor
Patron - $2,000 includes:
- 2 tickets to the exclusive Friday Collectors’ Party*
- 6 tickets to the Exclusive “Meet the Artists Party”
- An invitation for 2 to the Artists & Volunteers Barbeque
- Listing in the Festival’s program & website as a Patron
Art Lover - $1,000 includes:
- 4 tickets to the Exclusive “Meet the Artists Party”
- An invitation for 2 to the Artists & Volunteers Barbeque
- Listing in the Festival’s program and website as an Art Lover
Friend - $500 includes:
- 2 tickets to the Exclusive “Meet the Artists Party”
- Listing in the Festival’s program & website as a Friend
* Complementary Collectors' Preview Party tickets cannot be applied to purchase of artwork.
** Signed framed posters are available by request. Contact info@pleinaireaston.com to order.
I would like to join the Friends of Plein Air Easton with a donation to the Avalon Foundation
of:
You will receive an email to confirm that your donation has been received and processed.
In addition, you will be contacted by Plein Air Easton staff to confirm your use of benefits.
Do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any questions 410-822-7297.
