Plein Air Fairhope 2024

Eastern Shore Art Center is thrilled to host the 6th Annual Plein Air Fairhope event. 60 artists will be painting the area!

*** What is Plein Air? ***

Plein air painting, is the act of painting outdoors. This method contrasts with studio painting or academic rules that might create a predetermined look.

*** What can you expect from Plein Air Fairhope 2024? ***

You can participate in Plein Air Fairhope as an artist, student, patron, or audience member.

Oct 28 – Nov 2, 2024: Plein Air Fairhope Paint Out! 60 participating artists will paint the town from sunrise to sunset! They’ll be downtown, by the pier, local farmlands, and more… $45 to participate/First Come, First Served.

Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2024: Plein Air Fairhope Wet Room. As painters finish artworks, they will be showcasing them at ESAC on tables while they dry and before they are framed for the official exhibit. Get a special sneak pee or purchase one for your own collection before the rush!

Oct 31, 2024 @ Noon to 1 pm: Gallery Talk. Join PAF Judge Kathleen Denis for a Gallery Talk about her plein air painting experiences and what to look for as a show judge. $15 per person.

Nov 1, 2024 @ 6-8 pm: Plein Air Fairhope Exhibit/First Friday Art Walk. Official opening of artwork created during the week! Free to the public. PAF Artists/Sponsors may enjoy a VIP early bird entrance at 5:30pm.

Nov 2, 2024 @ 9-11 am: Plein Air Fairhope Quick Draw. Changing it up this year! PAF artists and the public are invited to paint at or around the Eastern Shore Art Center. All ages welcomed! Just bring your painting supplies and join us. Donations welcomed.

Nov 2 – 3, 2024 @ 10 am to 3 pm: “Exploring Gouache, the Versatile Medium” Workshop. Instructed by PAF Judge Kathleen Denis. $350 per person/$325 for ESAC Members/$210 for PAF Artists. (Must register for workshop when registering for PAF to receive discount).

*** Want to join us earlier? ***

Oct 18 – 19, 2024 @ 10 am-4 pm: “Plein Air Painting” Workshop. Instructed by Debra Nadelhoffer. $300 per person ($275 for ESAC Members).

Please note that refunds will not be issued for withdrawals from the Plein Air Fairhope event or gallery talk. 

From sunrise to sunset, 60 artists will set up throughout the city with portable easels, chairs, and umbrellas. Work created during the “paint out” will be available for purchase in our ESAC Wet Room Oct 29 – Oct 31  @ 10 am – 3 pm / Nov 1 @ 10 am-2 pm.

Work from each artist will then be on Exhibit opening Nov 1 @ 6-8pm at First Friday Art Walk. Awards will be given that night! Exhibit closes December 21, 2024. Gallery hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-4 pm and Sat 10 am-6 pm. 

Participation Fee: $45 (First Come, First Served)

Includes canvas stamping with 2024 logo, daily coffee/snacks, and custom apron.

Nov 2, 2024 @ 9 – 11 am

Artists are invited to participate in a community Quick Draw on Saturday, Nov 2nd from 9 am to 11 am. The event will be held at and around the Eastern Shore Art Center.

Event is open to the public and to all ages. Bring your art supplies and join us! Donations welcomed. The event is free to all Plein Air Fairhope artists.