The Plein Air–Easton! Competition & Arts Festival has formed a new partnership with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC). This year’s Plein Air–Easton! Winners’ Paint-Out, Brunch & Live Auction will be sponsored by ESLC. True to the romantic tradition of 19th century plein air paint-outs, the Plein Air–Easton! Winners’ Paint-Out & Brunch is an unforgettable opportunity to take an intimate look at the artistic process. Spend the morning in a beautiful setting while artists create plein air paintings to be auctioned on a shaded lawn after a lavish brunch shared with fellow art lovers (in a climate controlled tent if needed).
Held on Sunday, July 24, this event features an exclusive opportunity to watch the creation of dozens of paintings by winning artists from the Plein Air–Easton! National Competition and Quick Draw. These distinguished artists were selected to compete in Plein Air–Easton! from among hundreds of applicants from around the world. Following the Winners’ Paint-Out, there will be an exciting live auction to sell these freshly-finished paintings.
“Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is excited to be part of Plein Air–Easton! this year and to help celebrate the Vanishing Landscapes award,” said ESLC Executive Director Rob Etgen. “Saving and preserving our vanishing landscape is what Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is all about, which makes this celebration a special treat for us.”
The Winners’ Paint-Out & Brunch will be held at Wilderness Farm. The 250-acre Wilderness Farm has been largely protected by ESLC conservation easements. The property includes productive farmland and scenic views along the Choptank River. Wilderness Farm is also adjacent to several swaths of protected land. The woodland on the farm is part of a large block of forested area that provides important habitat for Delmarva Fox Squirrel and birds.
Wilderness Farm has been described as one of the most majestic sites in Talbot County. Located on the broadest expanse of the Choptank River, it was a small part of Lloyds Long Point, patented by Edward Lloyd in January 1660. Its 350 year history serves as a reflection of the early land expansion, gradual decline, and rebirth of Talbot County. Its stories are that of Talbot County’s most prominent families, a Governor, and three ghosts. The property’s colonial and federal period house, a large barn, a derelict slave cabin, as well as various smaller barns and dependencies, have all been carefully restored. Plein Air–Easton! visitors may explore this timeless, wild, and beautiful property where surprises are around every corner.
Once the paint-out comes to a close, these stunning paintings will be set up for a fast-paced live auction. The winner of the $1,000 Vanishing Landscape award, also sponsored by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, will be announced during the auction. For the past six years, the body of work produced by Plein Air–Easton! artists has captured the sense of place and cultural richness that is central to Talbot County’s identity. This work is quickly becoming an important record of changing landscapes. Many of the paintings that have been produced over the years could not be painted today, as each year scenes and landscapes change or disappear as part of our evolving community. Works created in this category are always in demand for their documentary, cultural and sentimental value.
ESLC works directly with maintaining a sense of place and preserving Eastern Shore landscapes by helping save land and promote sound land use planning. The organization works in Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s Caroline, Talbot, and Dorchester Counties. Their vision for 2050 is an Eastern Shore where towns are vibrant and well defined; farms, forests, and fisheries are thriving and scenic; and historic, natural, and riverine landscapes are maintained.
The Winner’s Paint-Out & Brunch is open to members of the Friends of Plein Air–Easton! This dedicated support group continues to ensure the success of its namesake event while celebrating and preserving local landscapes and strengthening the arts in our community. Becoming a Friend of Plein Air–Easton! is one of the most valuable support options for Plein Air–Easton! and the best way to simultaneously support conservation and the arts. For information, member benefits listing, and to become a Friend, call 410.822.7297 or visit www.pleinaireaston.com.