OCTOBER 1-4, 2025
Artists from across the nation capturing Appalachian charm!
I. INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC:
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1st
Artists paint all day
(See them around town or find them on the “En Plein Air” app. Details below).
THURSDAY, OCT. 2nd
Artists paint from 8:30am to 2:00pm
Public Art Sales Gallery at the Barns at Chip Ridge in Abingdon, VA. from 5:30-7:30pm
Get first dibs on your favorite piece before anyone else snags it!
FRIDAY, OCT. 3rd
Artists paint all day
(See them around town or find them on the “En Plein Air” app. Details below).
SATURDAY, OCT. 4th
Artists paint from 9:00am-1:00pm
Artists compete in the Quick Draw, 4-hour competition in the historic distrcit of downtown Abingdon.
The Grand Finale Public Art Sales Gallery at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace.
Early VIP access (By invitation. Contact us if interested), 5:00-6:00pm
Doors open to the public (free of charge) 6:00-8:00pm
Prizes announced shortly after 6:00pm
Winning artists pictures at approx. 6:15pm
All sold paintings can be taken home at approx. 6:30pm (following the pictures)
This year, for the first time, the artists are allowed to choose where they paint each day. This is great for them, and great for the quality of art produced overall, but for interested spectators, it can make the artists hard to find. That’s where the “En Plein Air” app comes in! Participating artists will have their painting location marked on the “En Plein Air” app.
1) Download the app from your phone’s app store, and then select “I’m a Spectator.”
2) Next, select the event “2025 Plein Air Abingdon,” and after a moment or two, you should begin to see the artists locations marked on your map.
Remember, always be respectful of an artist’s time and focus. They love to see people enjoy their painting process, but they also need to focus as their time is short.
Want to Watch the Artists Paint?
II. INFORMATION FOR THE ARTISTS:
Join us for Plein Air Abingdon 2025, Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 1st-4th! Artists from across the nation, from professionals to beginners, will work to capture the beauty of southwest Virginia. Whether you’re an artist, an art collector, or an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this!
$4,000 in Prizes | More Open Location Options | Expanded 4-Day Event! | 2 Public Sales Galleries
Artists, follow these 3 steps to register:
1) Read the prospectus to know what’s expected of you,
2) Pay the registration fee at the secure link provided, and
3) Complete the Registration Info Form so we can have the pertinent info we need to contact you as the event approaches.
Abingdon Plein Air is everything an artist could want…a stunning landscape, and a wonderful small town feel coupled with a world class presentation!
-George Van Hook (Best in Show winner: 2022 and 2023)
A LOOK BACK AT 2024
2024 Events
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Thursday, Oct. 3
Opening day is "artist's choice" of painting locations within the fall landscape of Southwest Virginia. A pop-up gallery and public reception (free) will be held in the evening, 5:00pm to 7:30pm, at the beautiful Barns at Chip Ridge. A painting demo and chat offered by juror, Jeremy Sams, is open to the public as well as artists from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Attendees gather, discuss and appreciate the work accomplished that day and the public will have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the competition.
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Friday, Oct. 4
Day two brings artists back to the rolling hills of Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. With the background of grape vines, gorgeous horizon, and the vast scenery, artists have an array of content from which to choose! A pop-up gallery public reception (free) will be held at The Tasting Room at Nicewonder, 5:00pm to 7:30pm to gather, discuss and appreciate the work accomplished that day. The public will also have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the competition.
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Saturday, Oct. 5
The final day of Plein Air Abingdon brings artists to the historical district of Abingdon. With its rich culture and architecture, this is a favorite amongst visiting artists. The day culminates with a Juried Art Show and Sale at William King Museum. Our juror, Jeremy Sams, will select the show for a grand finale exhibit and pieces will go on sale for the final time of the event. A “limited access” VIP reception hour is available from 5:00pm to 6:15pm. This ticketed event hour is complete with local wine and light fare from Abingdon eateries. The Juried Show opens to the public for free at 6:15pm-7:30pm
Artist Competition Prizes
Best in Show: $1500
1st Prize: $1000
2nd Prize: $600
3rd Prize: $400
Quick Draw: $500
Introducing Jeremy Sams, Juror 2024
Jeremy won his first art award at age six. His passion for art was already evident. His talent and drive made it possible for him to begin his professional art career by age 19. His artistic growth took on a new form in 2011 when he was introduced to painting en plein air. This same year, he and his wife mourned the death of two children. Through this trying time, Jeremy found new inspiration and healing through painting outdoors. “Painting en plein air has become a means of therapy and release of emotion for me. I can enjoy God’s creation and relish in the beauty He has given us to enjoy in this short life. I particularly love the challenge of capturing the moods of light and atmosphere and the composing of the elements in order to tell a story without using words. My aim is to help elevate the souls of the viewer and bring a sense of peace and hope.”
Jeremy has won over 55 awards for his work, including 1st place prizes in the Bath County Plein Air Festival, Artists on Location: Knoxville, Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival, and more. He was the featured artist in Plein Air Magazine in 2017.
For more information about Jeremy, or to view more of his work, visit www.jeremysams.com.
Enjoy scenic photos of past Plein Air Abingdon events!
