The City of Suffolk, Virginia is gearing up for the fourth annual Suffolk Plein Air Festival, September 10-14, 2024. Plein Air Artists from the around the country are participating in 2024.
We are excited to announce our 2024 acclaimed judge is Gavin Glakas. Juried Plein Air Artists will enjoy capturing the beauty of Suffolk Virginia’s waterways, landscapes, and cityscapes, compete for prizes, and sell their artwork. Seeing our city through the eyes and talents of others is a highlight of this week-long outdoor painting event. CASH AWARDS will be given for the Best In Show, $3,000, 2nd Place, $1,000, along with 3rd Place, $500. Additionally, there are monetary awards given for Best: Historic, Waterfront, Farmland, Rural, & Cityscape paintings.
2024 Suffolk Plein Air Festival Schedule of events: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Artists check-in and drop off artwork at the Suffolk Art Gallery (118 Bosley Ave.) Artists begin painting Suffolk, VA
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 5:00-7:00 p.m. “EN PLEIN AIR” Art Exhibition Opening Reception at the Suffolk Art Gallery (118 Bosley Ave.) Exhibit features artwork previously completed by this year’s Plein Air artists. This reception is sponsored by National Roofing Corporation. Catering by Holland Country Gourmet. “EN PLEIN AIR” is on view at the Suffolk Art Gallery from SEPT. 12 - OCT. 18, 2024, Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM - 5 PM and Sunday 1-5 PM. Free & Open to the public.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. “En Plein Air” Art Exhibition at the Suffolk Art Gallery (118 Bosley Ave.) 757-925-0448 Exhibit features artwork previously completed by this year’s Plein Air artists. 12:00-2:00 p.m. Artists’ lunch (Invitation Only) Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 220 Kings Hwy, Chuckatuck/Suffolk. The luncheon is sponsored by Knott’s Coffee Company.
On Friday, September 13th from 6:00 - 9:30 PM, artists and patrons will gather at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts for the much-anticipated 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree'. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists, view their new artwork and purchase an incredibly special piece of Suffolk themed artwork to adorn their home or business. 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree' tickets are $100 each and include scrumptious food, an open bar, and live music. At the request of patrons, the event offers various VIP Level Sponsorships that include 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree' tickets with art credits towards purchases during the reception. Purchase 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree'TICKETS on Sale NOW!
On Saturday, September 14th from 12- 2 PM, in conjunction with Suffolk's annual ‘Taste of Suffolk’ Downtown Street Festival, Youth, ages 10-17, and Adults of ALL abilities are invited to paint outside, ‘en plein air’, during the “PAINT the TASTE” event. This is a chance for novice to experienced painters to try their hand at plein air painting. The QuickDraw format is extremely exciting ~ the goal is to quickly produce an original piece of artwork in only 120 minutes! Prizes will be awarded, and “PAINT the TASTE” Artists are encouraged to sell their Suffolk Plein Air artwork to the interested crowds during the 'Taste of Suffolk'. “PAINT the TASTE” Registration is $10, please register in advance on-line. Participants need to bring their own painting materials.
The success of Suffolk Plein Air Festival is a tribute to the vision and collaboration of the Suffolk community. So many wonderful people have opened their homes to host some of our out-of-town artists for the week. Others have offered their properties as locations for the artists to paint. Generous business and patron sponsors stepped up to ensure the Arts are accessible for all, bringing together artists of all skill levels and ages – younger and older – providing rich experiences for the community at large.
For more information about the Suffolk Plein Air Festival 2024 Sponsorship, Events, or Volunteering, please contact Festival Coordinators Sandy Waters and Sandy Hart at: [email protected].
Click Suffolk Plein Air Festival Guide to VIEW pages.