Opening Dinner and Paint Out
The Opening Dinner and Paint Out follows in the romantic tradition of a bygone age when patrons organized picnics on their estates, favored artists painted and guest enjoyed an evening of entertaining company and fresh air. The Opening Dinner has become one of Talbot County’s most anticipated charitable events. It is an opportunity to meet the 2013 Plein Air – Easton! juried artists see them at work and get the inside track on who to watch throughout the week, while enjoying a lavish dinner party and maybe even take home a fresh painting created that day.
One of the great Federal era estates of the Chesapeake, Hope House, the site of this year’s Opening Dinner evokes the world of prosperous eighteenth century farmers. An early home to members of the Lloyd and Tilghman families, the home was saved from near ruin in 1907 by William Starr who restored the mansion with remarkable sensitivity to historical accuracy. The Starr’s also revived and installed significant gardens, terraces and walks which continue to grace the property today.
The home of Peter Stifel, Hope House exists as a working farm, including sheep and other livestock. In characteristic Eastern Shore manner the farm includes many distinctive subsidiary buildings designed for the diverse needs of a working farm. Mr. Stifel’s loving stewardship of Hope House and his commitment to environmentally sensitive land management are evident throughout the property.
Join a community of arts enthusiasts at a truly remarkable celebration of the modern plein air painting movement.
To attend the Opening Dinner, join the Friends of Plein Air-Easton! and work to ensure the Festival's success into the future.