2025 Plein Air Festival Registration

St. Lawrence County has long been known as a wonderful, wild, and beautiful landscape that serves as inspiration for numerous artists, writers, and musicians. With beauty, history, farm land, sparkling streams, and friendly locals, St. Lawrence County boasts many scenic opportunities for experienced and emerging artists.  

The SLC Arts Plein Air Festival is truly for everyone who enjoys the art of Plein Air. It is the only Plein Air festival in the North Country with kids and adult categories, offering kid-friendly events and instruction from professional painters. No Kids? Enjoy our 21+ Celestial painting event for adults only. Not a painter? Not to worry. Spectators are welcome to witness the creative process unfold amid the classic St. Lawrence surroundings. Follow the schedule below to find out what events are being held. Afterward, don’t miss the show and sale at the end of the event, where you can take home a picture-perfect memory of your time in St. Lawrence County!

First, Second, and Third Place prizes will be awarded, including cash and items donated from area sponsors. 

Non-juried, all levels and ages are welcome to participate! There will be an Adult and a Children’s (under 18) division with separate prizes for each.

FEES: $30 per individual early bird registration by April 1st. $40 per individual registration (Creative Partners use code PLEINAIR at checkout for discount)

Painting Dates- May 14th – 18th  

Special Events : 

21+ Celestial Painting and Community Mixer – May 16th

Family Brunch and Kid-Friendly Session – May 17th 

Exhibition and Sales – May 18th 

Locations:
Anywhere in St. Lawrence County

Art Showcase and Awards at Waddington Town Hall:
- May 18th, 5-8pm

Hanging of Artwork

- By May 18th at 10am - 3pm 

-Artwork must be framed (wrapped canvas is allowed) and wired for hanging (no sawtooth hangers), labeled on the back with title, artist’s name, and price or NFS (not for sale). 

-Artists may bring up to 5 pieces for entry into the competition.

- Artist must hang their own Artwork by 3pm at at Waddington Town Hall

Art Showcase and Awards Ceremony 

-Artists and their families are welcome to attend this free event and view the artwork created during the festival. 

-Artists must be present to receive an award.

Picking Up Artwork

Pick up - May 18th after the Art Showcase 

-Artists may take their work home from the exhibition on the evening of May 18th, after the conclusion of the showcase exhibit. If they are unable to attend, they may pick up their artwork from SLC Arts at a later date during open hours.

Sales During the Showcase 

-Consistent with our shop policies, Artists that are Creative Partners with SLC Arts will keep 70% of the sales price, SLC Arts will keep 30%. Artists that are not Creative Partners will keep 60% of the sales price, SLC Arts will keep 40%. 

-SLC Arts will handle sales tax collection and remission through online store sales.

-Any artwork sold “off the easel” before the exhibit will be subject to SLC Arts’ commission. Sold artwork can still be displayed during the showcase and entered into the competition, if possible.

-Artists who do not wish to sell their work must still provide an estimate of value for insurance purposes during the exhibit.

NOTE:  Artists may enter up to 5 works in the competition. Artwork must have been drawn/painted en plein air during the festival painting days, and must be properly framed and wired for hanging. Artists are not required to paint every day of the festival. Any subject matter is allowed, so long as it was drawn/painted outdoors from life.