Evanston Plein Air Art Festival

En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Evanston Made presents the Second Annual Plein Air Festival: July 9-16, 2023. Plein Air Painters will descend on the city to compete for Best in Show. The juried invitational will be judged by Plein Air Painter, Nancy King Mertz. Artists are invited to paint in the Plein Air style, all over Evanston, capturing the beauty of Evanston’s natural environment, favorite landmarks and built environment. The festival’s grand finale on Sunday, July 16,  is an exhibit of one piece from each artist submitted for judging for Best of Show, 4 Honorable Mention awards, and a community vote for Festival Favorite. The July 16th exhibit and judging is complemented by an open air art exhibit of the participating artists’ additional work for sale.