Plein Air Adkins
Plein Air Adkins is a timed plein air event that takes place on the trails of Adkins Arboretum. Artists paint in the morning and exhibit their work in the afternoon. The artwork will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded by guest judge Nancy Tankersley.
The public is invited to explore the Arboretum’s woodland, meadows, and wetland while observing the artists at work, then stay to enjoy the exhibit, sale, and judging. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase art on the day it was created. There will be live music and food for purchase. The event is free for spectators.
Plein Air Adkins is open to any artist who wishes to participate. The registration fee for artists is $15 until October 1, then it will increase to $20. Artists may register in advance, or on the day of the event.
During Plein Air Adkins, young artists can try their hand at plein air painting, too. Little Plein Air is free and open to artists aged 3–12. Kids are welcome to bring their own art supplies or borrow from the Arboretum.
En plein air is French for "in the open air."
Artist Registration
Event Timeline
8 am: Arboretum gates open
9 am: Artist registration and light refreshments
10 am: Start bell rings
12:30 pm: End bell rings. Artists frame and display their work. Sales and judging begins. Complimentary soup for artists available in the Visitor’s Center.
1 pm: Artists vote for Artists’ Choice Award
1:30 pm: Winners announced
2 pm: Wrap–up
Participating Artists
Tracy Brown
Holly Buehler
Mary Campbell
Pamela Chase
Ronaldo Dorado
Rhonda Ford
Eugene B. Getz
Kathy Huegel
Judith Loeber
Ed Lewandowski
Nancy Lorentz
Joan Machinchick
Elizabeth Maynes
Mary McArdle
Diane DuBois Mullaly
Madeline Ptsel
Yik Chek Phan
Jim Rehak
Russel Reno
Maggii Sarfaty
Gail Stern
Laura Swart
Nancy R. Thomas
Patricia Valens
Stephen Walker
Ken Clark






