Returning for its second year, Plein Air at the Arboretum 2024 is the State Arboretum of Virginia's plein air event. This event is a fundraiser for FOSA, the Foundation of the State Arboretum, and all proceeds will go to FOSA.

NOVA Plein Air Artists is proud and honored to once again partner with Blandy Experimental Farm/State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce, VA on this fun, artistic venture.


This four-day event begins on Wednesday, September 18 through Saturday, September 21.

The Arboretum grounds offers 700 acres of picturesque gardens, meadows, lakes and trails, wetland, woodlands, and the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround the arboretum.

Artists can paint on all four days, or choose days and times . Registtration includes 3 stamps (bring your own supports). All
artists should plan to be present on Saturday, September 21 to drop off art work for judging, exhibit, and sale.

Saturday morning starts with a Quick Draw competition from 9-11 AM. Preregistration will be available through the week and on Satorday morning.
Judging for Quick Draw is by award winning plein air artist and 2023 Featured Artist Barbara Harris.

We are excited to have the nationally renowned award winning watercolorist Catherine Hillis judge this year's wet paint competition. Tents will open for sale to the public promptly at 12:00 noon.

NEW this year!
Check out the pre-event workshops being offered by Featured Artist Lynn Mehta (1-day workshop Monday Sept. 16) and Catherine Hillis (2-day watercolor workshop Monday Sept. 16, 17), and a youth landscape workshop by none other than Marilyn Miyamoto and Rachel Garcia-Palmer (Saturday, September 14). Visit the link to learn more and register: https://blandy.virginia.edu/pre-event-plein-air-art-workshops





For more information about the NOVA Plein Air Artists, visit https://www.novapleinair.com