Plein Air Plus 2025

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts presents "Plein Air Plus" 2025, a tenth annual national juried competition open to artists 18 years and older in the continental US. The juror is Laurel Garber, Park Family Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Approximately 50 artists will be selected to participate in the Paint Out on Long Beach Island during July 1st - August 31st, 2025, allowing artists to visit and paint the scenic seashore environment on their own schedule.

The competition features two categories: "Classical Plein Air" (paintings completed on site without photography) and "Plein Air Plus" (inspired by specific LBI locations with studies painted outdoors and completed in studio). Artists submit up to 4 images of previous work painted in the past two years for consideration, using oil, acrylic, watercolor, or pastel media. Entry fee is $35.00 for up to 6 entries.

Selected artists will exhibit their work in the "Island Life" exhibition from September 13 - November 2, 2025. Awards include First Prize of $500 each for classical "Plein Air" and "Plein Air Plus" categories, Second Prize of $250, Third Prize of $100, and 4 Honorable Mentions. The reception and awards presentation is scheduled for September 28th at 2pm. All exhibited artwork must be for sale, with LBIF retaining 40% of retail price.