8th Annual Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson

The Hudson Valley is rich in traditions and history. In the early 19th century, painting outside, or en plein air, allowed Impressionist painters to capture the qualities of natural light in a whole new way while reflecting on an environment they were witnessing at the moment. All these years later, plein air painting still exists and is attracting a new group of audiences with the 8th Annual Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival presented by the Wallkill River Center for the Arts. This event, held October 9-14, keeps the tradition alive, adds some fun programming, and concludes with an exhibit that will be up until November 5.

Like an open studio tour, visitors can stop and chat with the artists as they work. You can learn more about the art form itself, as well as take in the incredible creations that are unfolding in front of you.

“This event is so exciting because the artists are painting on the spot, racing against the clock as the light changes,” Wallkill River Center for the Arts Executive Director, Sarah Fortner Pierson said. “It is a fantastic way to enjoy the fall season when our landscapes are arguably the most beautiful.”

This year’s event kicks off on Monday, October 9 with a Quick Draw competition. There, painters will start with a blank canvas and have 2-hours to create. After the two hours, a whistle will blow and it’s time to frame the work. Judging begins at 1:00 p.m. and by 2:00 p.m. the awards will be announced. On Tuesday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. bring your own supplies and join the Group Paint session at the Seligmann Center in Sugar Loaf, NY. Attendees can join the artists, take in the scenic Sugar Loaf, or come and enjoy watching others paint. If you cannot make this session, there is another Group Paint opportunity on Friday, October 13 at Goshen Farm.

If you are in Montgomery on Wednesday evening, head over to City Winery for a free Nocturne Plein Air Demonstration by Fred Jackson starting at 6:00 p.m. Jackson, is most inspired by the the moods that are felt in nature and what they evoke. He seeks to express in painting the rich nuances and energy that a place presents within this moment in time.

On Thursday, October 12 starting at 9:00 a.m., feel free to observe or take part in Andrew Lattimore’s workshop. Lattimore, who has been teaching fine art for over 25 years will be working with the juried artists from this year’s festival as well as the general public who are wishing to take part.

The final day of the festival begins with a demonstration with Garin Baker at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts Gallery. This is also the location for the opening reception for the culminating exhibit starting at 1:00 p.m. One of the most exciting details about this is that some of the artwork will still be wet when hung. The creation and completion of work is immediate. Whether you observe or participate during the week, make sure you stop by to see the final exhibit, immerse yourself in the natural beauty the Hudson Valley has to offer, and possibly see some of your favorite places in a whole new light.

Participating Juried Artists: Adam Adkison, Stefan Allen, Elisabeth Barnett, Maryann Burton, Monica Cohen, Cathay Copeland, Patricia Cummins, Daisy de Puthod, Catherine de Cesare, Calina Franzosa, Amy Galinko, Sean Gahhagher, Regina Gelfer, Jennfier Gibson, Keith Gunderson, Hema Gupta, Cynthia Harris-Pagano, George Hayes, Susan Lais Hostetler, Fred Jackson, Tami Louco, Alison Lusardi, William Martin, Helene Mazur, Karen Meneghin, Debra Moffitt, David Munford, Chrissy Pahucki, Jeanne Plekon, Heather Prasch, Stephanie Reiter, Tatiana Rhinevault, Susan Roth, Margaret Ryan, Mitchell Saler, Mary Mugele Sealfon, Vaune Sherin, Raymond Smith, Joseph Sundwall, Patricia Valens, Woodie Webber, Nancy Woogen.

If you go:
8th Annual Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival
Various Locations
Date: October 9-14, 2023
Exhibit: October 14 - November 5, 2023
232 Ward St (17k), Montgomery, NY 12549
Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Contact: (845)-457-2787
info@wallkill.art
wallkill.art/events/category/gallery-events