17th Annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival

The Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival is one of the longest-running and most popular outdoor painting events in the country. Founded in 2008, the festival has welcomed over 500 artists to paint the Philadelphia area and has become one of the most eagerly anticipated cultural events in the region. The 17th Annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival kicks off on May 4, 2025, with 32 juried, nationally recognized, and emerging artists painting in Wayne, Pennsylvania to capture the beauty of the Delaware Valley. Artists will showcase over 300 works created during the festival in the art center's exhibition galleries, on view and sale through June 21, 2025 (6 weeks). A full schedule of events including community paint-outs, artist demos, lectures, and other programs will be presented during the festival and exhibition.

For returning artists, the festival offers an opportunity to reconnect with collectors and compete for $25,000 in cash awards. For emerging artists, acceptance represents an important step in achieving national recognition. Artist housing will be provided by community members. Participating artists will attend a Welcome Breakfast on Sunday, May 4, with comprehensive orientation and canvas stamping. Throughout the festival week, painters work on location throughout surrounding areas with varied landscapes including historic architecture, rolling hills, and views of Center City Philadelphia and its waterfronts.

The Collectors' Preview & Sale and Awards Presentation takes place Saturday, May 10, 6-10pm at Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087. Over ten major cash awards totaling $25,000 will be presented by Juror Larry Moore, including Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and Special Themed Awards. The Best of Show award winner will be invited to participate in the next year's plein air event. Entry fee is $50. Artists must submit 1-4 JPG images (minimum 300 dpi, 1200 pixels or greater on longest side, under 5 MB). Open to artists 18 and older from the United States. Artists participating may not exhibit at other galleries within a 50-mile radius of Wayne Art Center during the exhibition period (May 10-June 21, 2025). All unsold artwork must be picked up by July 25, 2025. Contact Pam McLean-Parker at [email protected] or 610.688.3553 x211.