Plein Air Easton 2022 Competition Artists Announced
Preparations for the 18th Annual Plein Air Easton Competition & Arts Festival launched today with the announcement of 2022 competition artists. During this weeklong outdoor art festival, hundreds of painters, collectors, and art enthusiasts descend on Easton and Talbot County, immersing the town in art created en plein air. This event is the largest and most prestigious plein air event in the nation.
A large part of the appeal of plein air competitions is the fresh perspectives continually generated by a varied group of artists each year. Plein Air Easton is a juried competition by design; any artist has the opportunity to apply, to compete and, potentially, to win multiple prizes. PAE has launched numerous careers by bringing emerging and deserving artists’ work to the attention of collectors and other plein air event organizers.
Traditionally, Plein Air Easton is judged by some of the most knowledgeable and informed experts in the world of representational art. This year’s entry juror, who selected the artists appearing in Easton this summer, was Master Jove Wang. Wang is a Signature Member of the California Art Club and has been teaching oil painting for over 20 years from his studio there. He enjoys exploring a vast range of portraiture, still-life, landscape, and large-scale works; he has spent meaningful time immersing himself in the study and exploration of Old Masters. His career has garnered him international recognition, and he has spent time in Easton over the last few years giving demos, teaching workshops, and meeting collectors via his professional relationship with local gallery owner and PAE supporter, Betty Huang of Studio B Art Gallery.
Wang carefully reviewed hundreds of submissions for the 2022 field, and stated “The submitted artworks were of very high level and variety. I am confident that they will provide a very interesting and wonderful plein air competition.” PAE is most grateful for Wang’s time and attention.
Hundreds of artists applied from the US, Canada and Europe. Seventeen of the 58 artists selected are brand new to the competition. “We are thrilled with this year’s class of artists,” says PAE coordinator Marie Nuthall. “This year’s group hails from 16 states and three additional countries, and a bit above 30% are Maryland residents.” The following 58 artists have been selected to compete in the 18th annual Plein Air Easton competition to be held July 17-24, 2022.
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.
The Academy Art Museum and the Armory/Waterfowl Headquarters will be the venues for the competition exhibit. This event is supported by Talbot Arts Council, donations from corporations, small businesses, media outlets, Friends of Plein Air Easton, and strong community support. Donations support the event while promoting conservation and tourism through the arts and a distinct sense of place. Strong community support and sponsorships have helped make Plein Air Easton one of Easton’s most popular annual events and the nation’s largest outdoor painting competition.
For more information, visit www.pleinaireaston.com, email info@pleinaireaston.com or call the Plein Air Easton hotline at 410.822.7297.