Discover the Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival
A Week of Landscape Painting and Events in the Hudson Valley!Â
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!
🎨 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. Selected artists 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!
Hudson Valley Plein Air Festival 2026 – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
October 7 – 11, 2026 | 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, 30 artists have been 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.
Join us to meet the artists at scheduled Paint-outs, on-site displays, pop-up exhibits, Quick Draw, and demonstrations. 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.
2026 PLEIN AIR ARTISTSÂ
Susan Baldwin, Sarah Baskin, John Capowski, Catherine De Cesare, Lisa Diebboll, Jennifer Gibson, Elissa Gore, Carl Grauer, Keith Gunderson, Susan Lais Hostetler, Shawn Dell Joyce, Ronna Katz, Gail Kelly, Ward Lamb, Valerie Light, William Martin, Marie McCann, Insiya Pardiwala, John Park, Jeanne Plekon, Geraldine Popko, Joanne Schwartz, Mary M Sealfon, Vaune Sherin, Patricia Valens, Nancy Woogen, Shuang Yang, and Jen Zernhelt.
Schedule of Events:
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.
Schedule of festival events and activities –Â announced shortly.
Sunday, October 11, 4 – 6 pm
OPENING RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY
Join us to meet the artists and celebrate the works created on location during the festival, many with the paint still wet! Awards announced; light refeshements served.
October 11 – November 8, 2026
HVPAF EXHIBIT at WRCA Galleries
Come view the works on exhibit, created on-location during the 2026 festival.
Gallery hours: Friday – Sunday, 12 – 5 pm
JUROR OF AWARDS: Janet Howard Fatta
An award-winning artist, Janet also uses her art to tell the stories of others, capturing the energy, relationships, and emotional moments of celebrations in real time. Her studio practice continues to explore the figure and the human experience.
Janet serves as an advisory member of the Orange County Arts Council and facilitates the Warwick Life Drawing Group at Forge 28 Studios in Warwick. She lives in New Hampton, New York, on a small oasis attuned to the rhythms of the Wallkill River.
Special thank you to selection panelists: Janet Campbell, Shawn Dell Joyce, and Joseph Sundwall