Art in Bloom: Plein Air Painting 2026

This summertime plein air event invites more than 150 regional artists to spend a day creating original works across the Arboretum's 66 acres of lush gardens, water features, and sculptural vignettes. The event takes place July 17-19, 9am-5pm, during the exhibition Hunt Slonem at the Arboretum: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies, with sculptures by the renowned neo-expressionist artist placed throughout the garden. While not required, participating artists are welcome to incorporate these sculptures into their compositions as part of their creative response to the setting.

Artists must create work on-site responding to the landscape of the Arboretum. Works may be completed or refined off-site before submission. Media may include painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, or portable printmaking. Selected works from the event will be curated into a public gallery exhibition in August, with 10-12 finalists selected for inclusion in the exhibition which will take place August-September.

Application fee is $35 with no additional fees for participation. Awards include Best in Show (Juried) for $500 and optional Honorable Mentions (2) for $250 each, with recognition at gallery opening and across promotional materials. Water will be provided throughout the weekend. Artists may bring a wagon to carry items through the garden, but no umbrellas or pop-up tents are allowed on site.