Discover the Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival
A Week of Landscape Painting and Events in the Hudson Valley!
The Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival, which takes place in the picturesque Hudson Valley annually in mid-October, celebrates art and community with on-location painting events, interactive activities, and exciting prizes!
What’s in Store:
🎨 Join the Painting Experience: Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned pro, you’re invited to submit an application and be a part of the creative process. Paint anywhere on the map provided or alongside fellow artists at group paint-out locations scheduled.
👩🎨 Spectator Opportunities: Not into painting yourself? No problem! Come as a spectator and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Watch live painting demonstrations, engage with artists, and the glorious fall landscape.
🖼️ Engage with Artists: Take the opportunity to talk to the artists, learn about their techniques, and gain inspiration from their work. It’s a unique chance to connect with creative minds and see your favorite locations – captured in paint – from a new perspective.
🎉 Receptions & Awards: Attend our special receptions and awards ceremonies where we celebrate the talent and hard work of all participants. Cheer for your favorites and be part of the excitement as we honor the best of the festival!
We look forward to your participation in 2026!
CALL FOR 2026 PLEIN AIR ARTISTS | Application deadline: August 9, 2026
PROSPECTUS
Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival 2026 – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
Wallkill River Center for the Arts (WRCA) is pleased to present the 10th edition of the famed Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival. During this multi-day event (Wednesday to Sunday, October 6 -11th), 30 artists will be invited to paint on the grounds of selected historic sites and capture these iconic vistas.
“As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we believe it is essential to shed light on our iconic historic neighbors and highlight the Hudson Valley’s rich heritage at this year’s HVPAF.” states artist and event chair, Susan Baldwin.
To participate in this event, you must submit an application which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors with a maximum of 30 artists selected.
Selected artists are invited to a welcome reception (where you will receive a gift bag which includes a map of the designated sites for this year’s festival) and to participate in scheduled Paint-outs, on-site displays, pop-up exhibits, Quick Draw, and demonstrations. These activities are not mandatory; you may choose to participate in all or some of these activities or select a location on your own. As the culmination of this multi-day event, works created during the festival will be exhibited at WRCA Galleries and considered for awards and site-specific prizes.
Schedule of Events:
Tuesday, October 6th, 4 – 7 pm
ARTIST MEET & GREET | WELCOME RECEPTION @ WRCA
Participating artists invited are for an overview of festival’s activities, canvas stamping, and will receive the 2026 HVPAF map and program. Light bites and beverages included.
Wednesday – Sunday, October 7 – 11
PAINT-OUTS, POP-UP EXHIBITS, QUICK DRAW, AND DEMOS
In partnership with selected historic sites, HVPAF artists are invited to set up easels to capture the landscape and architectural elements. Historic sites include Hill-Hold & Brick House Museums, Brotherhood Winery, Goshen Historic Track, City Winery, Greenwood Lake Farmers Market, and West Point. Detailed schedule of festival events and activities announced shortly.
Sunday, October 11, 4 – 6 pm
OPENING RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY
Awards announced at the Exhibition Reception. $1,500+ in prizes; award categories include First Place, Second Place, Third Place, Best Audubon Site Painting, Best Goshen Painting, Best Nocturne, and others (subject to change.) JUROR OF AWARDS: TBA
October 11 – November 8, 2026
HVPAF EXHIBIT at WRCA Galleries
Come view the works included in exhibit, all done on-location during the 2026 festival.