SUFFOLK PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL 2023
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Suffolk Plein Air Festival! 
SEPTEMBER 5 - 9, 2023

The City of Suffolk is gearing up for the third annual Suffolk Plein Air Festival, September 5-9, 2023. Plein Air Artists from the around the country and internationally have applied to participate.

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 non-monetary awards given for Top Rural, Top Waterway, and Top Urban paintings.   

On Friday, September 8th from 6-10 PM, artists and patrons will gather at the Suffolk Art Gallery for the much-anticipated 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree'. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists, view all their new artwork and purchase an incredibly special piece of Suffolk themed artwork to adorn their home or business. 'Wet Paint Sale & Soiree' tickets go on sale July 1, 2023 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. 

On Saturday, September 9th from 12- 2 PM, in conjunction with the annual ‘Taste of Suffolk’ Downtown Street Festival, children, students, and adults 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 Quick Draw format is extremely exciting ~ the goal is to quickly produce an original piece of artwork in only 2 hours! Prizes will be awarded, and Quick Draw Artists are encouraged to sell their Suffolk Plein Air artwork during the Taste of Suffolk. “PAINT the TASTE” Registration is $10, open to all ages and abilities at SuffolkPleinAir.org.

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 2023 Application, Sponsorship, Events, or Volunteering, please contact Festival Chair Darlene Keyt: suffolkpleinair@gmail.com.
Suffolk PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL 2023 is presented by:
​Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk Art League, Downtown Suffolk, and Suffolk Tourism.
  • Home
  • 2023 Schedule
    • Painting Locations
    • Awards
  • 2023 ARTISTS
  • SPONSORS
  • Accommodations
  • Quick Draw
    • Taste of Suffolk Street Festival
  • 2022 Recap
  • 2022 Artists
  • Join Plein Air Society
  • About Suffolk VA
    • Get Here
  • Contact Us
    • In the News