Maryland Center for the Arts
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2020 work-in-progress, Sandhya Sharma

Now open! 
Register for a juried spot in the Festival ​until Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Registration Fee:  $35

Register 2/8-5/15
2020 Festival Winners - Hover cursor over painting to read caption.
​
The 7th Annual Harford Plein Air Painting Festival will be partially virtual with an in-person exhibition, judging, and celebration, depending upon COVID-19 restrictions. All juried artists will paint between July 1 and September 6, submitting time-stamped photos of their work for an online blog.  Juried artists may submit a maximum of five paintings for award consideration; artists residing beyond the Harford County area may enter a maximum of two works (of the five total) painted outside Harford County for Honorable Mention award consideration only.  All other paintings for consideration must be painted in Harford County. 
  • Entry Juror:  Eric Fuson, Executive Director, Albrecht-Kemper Museum, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Works-in-Progress will be posted on a daily blog and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts.
  • Paintings submitted for judging will be available for online viewing and purchase from September 18-November 20. 
  • ​See below for complete schedule.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
February 8 - May 15:  Artists register to be juried for acceptance into the Festival.
June 1:  Juried artists will be announced.
July 1 - Sept. 6:  Juried artists paint outdoors around Harford County until Thursday, Sept. 16.                                    Follow their progress on our Works-in-Progress blog.
Fri., Sept. 17:  Join us at the Bel Air Armory for the 
                            Collector's Preview Party and Awards Ceremony.
​​Sat., Sept. 18 - Public exhibition and gallery sale at the Bel Air Armory from 10am - 5pm. 
Sat., Sept. 18 - Quick Draw Competition, Havre de Grace, juried, community, & youth artists, 
                              co-sponsored by the Havre de Grace Arts Collective. 
Wed., Sept. 22 - Oct. TBD - Public exhibition at The Liriodendron Mansion, Bel Air.​
Sept. 19 - Nov. 20 - Online Exhibition and Sales.

June 1, 2021: 
Juried artists for 2021 Harford Plein Air Festival will be announced via email and social media.

Plein Air painting fits perfectly in these days of pandemic restrictions and social distancing.  Plein air is derived from the French phrase "open air" and means that the painting is done outdoors.  Plein air painters create art "from life" while on-site at an outdoor location, instead of painting from photographs.  This is a juried competition, meaning that the artists apply to be accepted into the competition to submit plein air paintings for awards judging.


This program is sponsored in part by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Harford County Cultural Arts Board with funds from Maryland State Arts Council, and the Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development.   Special thanks to Plein Air Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur as the Premier Media Sponsors! ​Don't miss the limited exhibition at The Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air.
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QUICK DRAW COMPETITION - Saturday, September 18

​​Registration for community artists of all ages opens June 1, 2021.
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Co-sponsored by our friends at the
​Havre de Grace Arts Collective,
​at the Havre de Grace ​Opera House.
Click on their logo ​for more information.
Quick draw means that the paintings are completed during a timed period; in this case, the artists have from 9am to 11am to start and finish their paintings.  Judging by a professional artist, awards, and sales follow.The Harford Plein Air Painting Festival's Quick Draw Competition is intended for artists in three categories, beginner to advanced:  juried artists in this year's plein air festival; adult community artists 18 and up; and youth under age 18.
2020 Quick Draw Competition winners by category.  Hover cursor over painting to read caption:
Maryland Center for the Arts  •  443-567-5216  •  PO Box 687  Bel Air, MD 21014  •   Privacy Notice  •   Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Who We Are >
      • Board of Trustees
      • Staff
    • News, Notes, & Dates >
      • Newsletters
      • In the News
      • Director's Notes
      • ArtSmash Podcasts
      • Events Calendar
    • Arts in the Community >
      • Economic Impact
      • Form 990
    • Connect with Us
  • Arts Programs
    • Harford Plein Air Festival >
      • 2021 Harford Plein Air
    • Lectures >
      • Joan Hodous
      • Edgar Allan Poe Theatrical Program
    • Master Classes >
      • Ballet Master Class with ABT Dancers
      • Music Master Class Program
    • Virtual Classroom
    • Author Conversations >
      • Judy Kelly & Dr. Christine Sciacca
      • Larry Noto
  • Support
    • Fundraising Events >
      • Tasting for the Arts!
      • Dancing for the Arts Gala
    • Advertising Opportunities
    • Sponsor the Arts
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
  • A Home for the Arts & more
    • On the Site
    • Let's Build It
    • Bear Legacy Adventure Trail