OCTOBER 1-4, 2025
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Join us for Plein Air Abingdon 2025, Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 1st-4th! Artists from across the nation, from professionals to beginners, will work to capture the beauty of southwest Virginia. Whether you’re an artist, an art collector, or an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this!
$4,000 in Prizes | More Open Location Options | Expanded 4-Day Event! | 2 Public Sales Galleries
Artists, follow these 3 steps to register:
1) Read the prospectus to know what’s expected of you,
2) Pay the registration fee at the secure link provided, and
3) Complete the Registration Info Form so we can have the pertinent info we need to contact you as the event approaches.
Art-Lovers, reserve your spot for early VIP access to purchase some of this world-class art.
Abingdon Plein Air is everything an artist could want…a stunning landscape, and a wonderful small town feel coupled with a world class presentation!
-George Van Hook (Best in Show winner: 2022 and 2023)
A LOOK BACK AT 2024
2024 Events
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Thursday, Oct. 3
Opening day is "artist's choice" of painting locations within the fall landscape of Southwest Virginia. A pop-up gallery and public reception (free) will be held in the evening, 5:00pm to 7:30pm, at the beautiful Barns at Chip Ridge. A painting demo and chat offered by juror, Jeremy Sams, is open to the public as well as artists from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Attendees gather, discuss and appreciate the work accomplished that day and the public will have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the competition.
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Friday, Oct. 4
Day two brings artists back to the rolling hills of Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. With the background of grape vines, gorgeous horizon, and the vast scenery, artists have an array of content from which to choose! A pop-up gallery public reception (free) will be held at The Tasting Room at Nicewonder, 5:00pm to 7:30pm to gather, discuss and appreciate the work accomplished that day. The public will also have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the competition.
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Saturday, Oct. 5
The final day of Plein Air Abingdon brings artists to the historical district of Abingdon. With its rich culture and architecture, this is a favorite amongst visiting artists. The day culminates with a Juried Art Show and Sale at William King Museum. Our juror, Jeremy Sams, will select the show for a grand finale exhibit and pieces will go on sale for the final time of the event. A “limited access” VIP reception hour is available from 5:00pm to 6:15pm. This ticketed event hour is complete with local wine and light fare from Abingdon eateries. The Juried Show opens to the public for free at 6:15pm-7:30pm
Artist Competition Prizes
Best in Show: $1500
1st Prize: $1000
2nd Prize: $600
3rd Prize: $400
Quick Draw: $500
Introducing Jeremy Sams, Juror 2024
Jeremy won his first art award at age six. His passion for art was already evident. His talent and drive made it possible for him to begin his professional art career by age 19. His artistic growth took on a new form in 2011 when he was introduced to painting en plein air. This same year, he and his wife mourned the death of two children. Through this trying time, Jeremy found new inspiration and healing through painting outdoors. “Painting en plein air has become a means of therapy and release of emotion for me. I can enjoy God’s creation and relish in the beauty He has given us to enjoy in this short life. I particularly love the challenge of capturing the moods of light and atmosphere and the composing of the elements in order to tell a story without using words. My aim is to help elevate the souls of the viewer and bring a sense of peace and hope.”
Jeremy has won over 55 awards for his work, including 1st place prizes in the Bath County Plein Air Festival, Artists on Location: Knoxville, Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival, and more. He was the featured artist in Plein Air Magazine in 2017.
For more information about Jeremy, or to view more of his work, visit www.jeremysams.com.
Enjoy scenic photos of past Plein Air Abingdon events!
