Plein air artists return to Abingdon and Washington County for the the fifth annual “Plein Air Abingdon” festival Oct. 8-10. The event is presented by the Virginia Highlands Festival. First place prizes include $1,000 for the juried competition and $500 in Saturday’s quick draw contest.
Plein Air Abingdon is based at different sites, offering multiple scenes for artists to interpret. A full day of painting at Abingdon Vineyards kicks off the juried competition Thursday, Oct. 8, followed by a ticketed reception with food and local wine. Guests can mingle with artists and preview work completed the same day, and proceeds from art sales are shared between artists and the Festival for funding future art programs.
Juried artists continue to paint through Friday, Oct. 9 at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards, creating work that will be up for sale at William King Museum Saturday evening. Prior to Saturday’s finale reception, amateur artists have a chance to join a plein air paint–out on Main Street Abingdon.
The final pop-up gallery is displayed at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10. Admission to the gallery is by reservation only. Reservations may be made at http://bit.ly/pleinairpopup2020.
All events follow established COVID safety protocols, including masks and social distancing. For more information, visit pleinairabingdon.com.
