REGISTRATION WILL GO LIVE ON MONDAY, AUG 10!
ESAC is thrilled to host the 8th 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 2026? ***
You can participate in Plein Air Fairhope as an artist, student, patron, or audience member.
WE HAVE TWO WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE PAF PACKAGE!
Oct 31, and Nov 1: “Paint with Confidence and Clarity” with PAF 2026 Judge, Cory Wright, 9:30 to 4:30 pm – Join award-winning plein air painter, Cory Wright, for a fun and informative 2 day workshop just in time to get you warmed up for Plein Air Fairhope 2026! Through daily demonstrations using a version of the “sight-size method,” Cory will cover the various aspects of painting outside including materials, composition, values, color mixing, and paint application. Open to all levels, from beginners to advanced, the focus will be on taking you from your current skill level to the next. Expect to do a morning and an afternoon painting each day at locations throughout Fairhope with individual attention given to each student as Cory circulates around to everyone at their easels throughout the day. She’ll be working in oils, but all mediums are welcome.
ESAC NON MEMBER $550/ ESAC MEMBER $500
Plein Air Fairhope Artist Price: $400 ($150 Discount!)*
Nov 8, 2026 “Just Plein Fun” with Robin Popp , 10 am to 4 pm – – Being immersed in nature, capturing the sunlight, and using determined brushstrokes are all part of the Plein Air process. But…it can be a little daunting putting it all together. Join Popp on a fun excursion into creating work on location and learn some tricks and shortcuts to make it easier. Popp will provide all the supplies and student will be painting in oils because they are the easiest medium to paint with outside. Whether you are a beginner or just wanting to brush up on your plein air practice, this class will get you going.
ESAC NON MEMBER $200/ ESAC MEMBER $175
Plein Air Fairhope Artist Price: $125 ($75 Discount!)*
Nov 2 – Nov 7, 2026: 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… $60 to participate/First Come, First Served.
Nov 3 – Nov 6, 2026: 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 peek or purchase one for your own collection before the rush!
Nov 4, 2026 @ 1pm to 2 pm: Gallery Talk. Join PAF Judge and 2025 PAF Best of Show winner, Cory Wright, for a Gallery Talk about her plein air painting experiences and what to look for as a show judge. $15 per person.
To learn more about Cory, visit: https://www.corywrightart.com/
Nov 6, 2026 @ 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 5:30 pm. Exhibit closes on Dec 18.
Nov 7, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 noon : Plein Air Fairhope Quick Draw: Artists and the public are invited to paint within a small radius including Eastern Shore Art Center, Mosher Castle, Little Bird, or Cemetery. Adults please accompany children if you are crossing the street to any location. All ages welcome, all supplies welcome. Bring paint, drawing, or watercolor supplies. Artists will have from 10 am to 12 noon to select their location and complete their plein air piece.
Quick Draw participants must check in at the front desk prior to the Quick Draw. Pieces completed in the Quick Draw are NOT eligible for the PAF exhibit
Awards:
Adult ($50 cash prize and apron)
Teen ($25 gift certificate and sketchbook + stickers)
Child ($25 gift certificate and sketchbook + stickers)
Please note: No refunds on Artist Registration or Gallery Talk. Refunds for workshop are available up to one month prior to the workshop. All cancellations will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
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 Nov 3 – Nov 6, 2026: Plein Air Fairhope Wet Room, 10 am to 4 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Nov 6) and the PAF Exhibit (Nov 6th thru Dec 18th)
Work from each artist will then be on Exhibit opening Nov 6 @ 6-8pm at First Friday Art Walk. Awards will be given that night! Exhibit closes December 18, 2026. Gallery hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-4 pm and Sat 10 am-6 pm.
Participation: $60
Includes canvas stamping with 2026 logo, daily coffee/snacks, and custom apron.
Please note that refunds will not be issued for withdrawals from the Plein Air Fairhope event or gallery talk.
Join the 2025 BEST OF SHOW and the 2026 Plein Air Fairhope judge, Cory Wright, for a Gallery Talk! She will discuss her notes on selecting the Plein Air Fairhope exhibit winners and her background as a painter.
Nov 4 @ 1pm to 2pm in the Whiting Gallery
Ticket cost: $15 per person
Please note: No refunds on Artist Registration or Gallery Talk. Refunds for workshop are available up to one month prior to the workshop. All cancellations will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
Nov 7, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 noon : Plein Air Fairhope Quick Draw: Artists and the public are invited to paint within a small radius including Eastern Shore Art Center, Mosher Castle, Little Bird, or Cemetery.
Quick Draw participants must check in at the front desk prior to the Quick Draw. Pieces completed in the Quick Draw are NOT eligible for the PAF exhibit
Awards:
Adult ($75 Family membership and apron)
Teen ($25 Academy gift certificate and sketchbook)
Child ($25 Academy gift certificate and sketchbook)
Workshop Title: “Just Plein Fun” with Robin Popp***
Instructor: Robin Popp (Plein Air Fairhope Artist)
Date: Nov 8, 2026
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Price: $125 for Plein Air Fairhope Participating Artists
Without PAF registration: ($200 per student/$175 for ESAC Members)
If you are not participating in Plein Air Fairhope and are interested in attending “Just Plein Fun”, visit Just Plein Fun for registration. Being immersed in nature, capturing the sunlight, and using determined brushstrokes are all part of the Plein Air process. But… it can be a little daunting putting it all together. Join Popp on a fun excursion into creating work on location and learn some tricks and shortcuts to make it easier! Popp will provide all the supplies and students will be painting in oils because they are the easiest medium to paint with outside. Whether you are a beginner or just wanting to brush up on your plein air practice, this workshop will get you going!
To view Robin’s artwork, credentials and awards visit: About Robin Popp
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Please note: No refunds on Artist Registration or Gallery Talk. Refunds for workshop are available up to one month prior to the workshop. All cancellations will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
Workshop Title: Paint with Confidence and Clarity
Instructor: Cory Wright (PAF 2025 Best of Show and PAF 2026 Judge)
Date: Oct 31, and Nov 1, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Price: $400 for Plein Air Fairhope Participating Artists
Without PAF registration: ($550 per student/$500 for ESAC Members)
If you are not participating in Plein Air Fairhope and are interested in attending “Paint with Confidence and Clarity”, visit Paint with Confidence and Clarity for registration.
Join award-winning plein air painter, Cory Wright, for a fun and informative 2 day workshop just in time to get you warmed up for Plein Air Fairhope 2026! Through daily demonstrations using a version of the “sight-size method,” Cory will cover the various aspects of painting outside including materials, composition, values, color mixing, and paint application. Open to all levels, from beginners to advanced, the focus will be on taking you from your current skill level to the next. Expect to do a morning and an afternoon painting each day at locations throughout Fairhope with individual attention given to each student as Cory circulates around to everyone at their easels throughout the day. She’ll be working in oils, but all mediums are welcome.
To learn more about Cory, visit: https://www.corywrightart.com/
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Please note: No refunds on Artist Registration or Gallery Talk. Refunds for workshop are available up to one month prior to the workshop. All cancellations will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
$50 “Pick My Spot” Business/Residential Sponsorship:
For area business or homeowners that would like a way to support the participating artists in the hopes that an artist will “pick your spot” to paint, your $50 donation will put your business name on a popsicle stick offering a $50 honorarium offered to the first artist who chooses to paint at your location. YOU MAY OFFER MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO DRAW ARTISTS TO YOUR SPOT(S).
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HOW IT WORKS:
- There is no obligation for any artist to participate, but if an artist picks your popsicle stick
they must come and paint at your location. Having an artist paint at your location is a big draw
for visitors! When they bring the finished artwork to ESAC, we’ll provide them with a $50 check. - “Pick My Spot” sponsorship DOES NOT include the completed painting.
- You receive VIP entry to the opening reception 30 minutes before doors open to the public and
will have the “first option” to purchase the painting on exhibit. - All sponsorships not chosen for “Pick Your Spot” will be donated to ESAC programming.
All award sponsorship proceeds go directly to support participating artists.
Purchase “Pick My Spot” here:
