What is this event and how can I participate?

En plein air ( French for 'outdoors'), or plein-air painting, is simply the act of painting outdoors. The idea is to enabled the artist to better capture the changing details of weather and light. 

The event will take place in 4 parts. 
1) Registration and Entry Fee Payment
2) Event Day Activities
3) Gallery Exhibition
4) Awards Reception and Silent Auction

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GUIDELINES

MTA Plein Air Guideline Packet
File Size:	395 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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McDowell Arts Council Association Logo, Celebrating 50 Years

Year of the Trail 2023, NC Logo and McDowell Trails Association Logo

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REGISTER

Deadline for Registration is April 21 or when the first 35 applicants are registered and have their entry fee paid.

REGISTRATION FORM

PAY ENTRY FEE

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CHOOSE A LOCATION

LOCATIONS:
The painting area should be in locations that celebrate the outdoors and the Year of the Trail.

​A few examples are Joseph McDowell Memorial Greenway, Greenlee Park, Fonta Flora Trail, Old Fort Gateway Trails, Catawba Falls, Tom’s Creek Falls, Little Switzerland, Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake James, Point Lookout, Peavine Trail

Location options are not limited to these examples.
Go play + paint outside!

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CHECK-IN

Arrive no earlier that 9am on Saturday May 6 (or May 13 if we have rain) and have your canvases officially stamped. Then your day begins! You have until 6pm to paint, take a photograph of the completed painting and email it to ​susanmcdowellarts@gmail.com

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PAINT!

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FRAME*
Submit framed artwork for judging & auction in-person by Wednesday, May 17th from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm at (MACA).

*​*Unless ¾ inch sides on wrap-around canvas are painted

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CELEBRATE!

MTA En Plein Air 2023
Art Exhibition at McDowell Arts Council (MACA)
​50 South Main St. Marion, NC, from May 22 - June 30, 2023

Awards Reception and Silent Auction at MACA.
Bidding will kick off at a reception Thursday, May 25th, from 5-7pm,

...and continue through Saturday, June 10th, ending at 4:00 pm.