Plein Air Adkins Artist Registration

Registration is only required for participating artists. Observers need not register.

Plein Air Adkins is a timed plein air event where artists paint in the morning and exhibit and sell their work in the afternoon. Prizes will be awarded by guest judge Stewart White. The event is open to any artist who wishes to participate.

The registration fee for artists is $15 until October 1, then it increases to $20. Artists may register on the day of the event.

Click here for general event details.

Artist Guidlines

1. Boundaries

The geographic boundaries of the paint-out are highlighted on the event map. 

2. Timeline

9 am: Registration
10 am: Start Bell Rings
12:30 pm: End Bell Rings, Frame and Display Work, Judging and Sale Begins
1 pm:  Vote for Artists’ Choice Award
1:30 pm: Winners Announced
2 pm: Wrap–up

3. Start and Stop Painting

 A bell will ring to signal the beginning and end of the paint-out, but artists are responsible for keeping track of start and stop times in case they do not hear the bell.

4. Frame or Mat

Paintings must be framed or matted before the judging and sale begins.

5. Awards  

First Prize: $300 and an Adkins Arboretum logo item and gift membership
Second Prize: $200 and an Adkins Arboretum logo item and gift membership
Third Prize: $100 and an Adkins Arboretum logo item and gift membership
Honorable Mentions (5): An Adkins Arboretum logo item and gift membership
Artist's Choice Award: $200

6. Sale

Each piece of artwork must have a title and price and be for sale. Adkins Arboretum will take a 20% commission from each work sold to help fund the event and support the Arboretum. Event staff will handle the monetary transaction for each artwork sold. Any artist who sells his/her artwork on the side to avoid commission will be banned from future events. 

A 6% Maryland State sales tax will be added to the price of each artwork sold. 

Artists must fill out and submit a W-9 on the day of the event for any sale over $600.