Plein Air Abingdon 2022

Plein Air Abingdon is a three-day, open enrollment painting event now celebrating its 6th year. Not only is this an artists’ competition with cash prizes, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for the public to witness creative action as artists remove the confinement of their studios’ four walls and paint in the open, drawing inspiration from the beautiful scenery in Abingdon, Virginia.

Best in Show $1,500; 1st Place $1,000; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $200; People’s Choice $200

Thursday, Day 1 of 3: We’ll gather on the grounds of Abingdon Vineyards, an outdoors lovers’ haven. In addition to the vines themselves, there’s the rustic luxury of the Vineyard Tasting Room and welcoming umbrellaed tables dotting the outside. Here you’ll also find a creek hopping over rocks as it makes its way down to the Holston River. Perhaps you’ll spot a kayaker or two paddling around or a fisherman nearby. Bicyclists who have taken a slight detour from their ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail often stop in for a glass of their award-winning wines or snack on a charcuterie board. So many options to choose from!

Friday, Day 2 of 2: We’ll gather closer to downtown as you are granted access to one of Abingdon’s historic farms, located right in town limits. From the spectacular views, landscape, and farm animals, it’s everything one could dream of in a rural pastoral view.

Saturday, Day 3 of 3: You’ll be provided a quick draw map and set loose right in the middle of the vibrant downtown of Abingdon. The town is bursting at the seams with quaint shops, Victorian architecture, beautifully manicured landscaping, and historic landmarks such at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa and Barter Theatre. There are even a steam engine and historic depot in the center of town.

On the Thursday and Friday evenings, there will be a public reception to gather, discuss and appreciate the work accomplished that day; the public will also have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the competition. (Please check back closer to the event for further details.)

Plein Air Abingdon culminates with a Juried Art Show on Saturday, October 8, at William King Museum. Our juror, Beth Bathe, will select the show for a grand finale, and pieces will go on sale for the final time of the event.

William King Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and is still Virginia’s only nationally accredited museum west of Roanoke. Today, the Museum hosts exhibitions of world fine art, material culture from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, and contemporary art by regional artists. It continues to serve as an institution of scholarship and education for visitors and students who walk through its galleries, attend a lecture, or take a class.

More About the Juror…

Beth Bathe, the 2022 Plein Air Abingdon juror, is an artist residing in Lancaster, PA. After a long career as a graphic designer, Beth now pursues painting full time. Primarily painting in oil en Plein air since 2013 she participates in high-profile competitions from Maine to Washington State, including Plein Air Easton MD, Door County WI, Cape Ann MA, Sedona AZ, Telluride CO and others, for a total of 10+ competitions a year. Her paintings have won numerous awards and honors and she is a featured artist in the 2018 February/March issue and article on water-soluble oils in the Dec/Jan 2020 issue of PleinAir Magazine.