Plein Air Painting Events
Call for Artists! - In honor of Scottdale’s 150th Anniversary in 2024, the Scottdale Historical Society supported our first Plein Air Painting Events in and around Scottdale. We are once again excited to support this event and the talented artists who will showcase our community and surrounding areas.
What is Plein Air?
‘Painting in the Open Air’, thus painting outdoors.
It is only $15* for artists to enter and includes all three dates.
We only ask that each artist present at least one of their works for sale at the exhibit to be held during Scottdale’s Fall Festival from September 19-21, 2025.
Plein Air Painting Locations & Important Dates
PLEIN AIR LOCATIONS
Check-in is from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at each location. Additional details below.
Artists are free to come and go as they please.
- June 21, 2025: Scottdale Downtown & Nearby Areas - Check-in at the Gazebo
- July 19, 2025: West Overton Village & Museum - Check-in at the front of the museum. Parking available behind the museum.
- August 9, 2025: Maple Bottom Farm, Dawson
IMPORTANT DATES
- September 14 &16, 2025: Deliver Artwork from 5 - 8 p.m. - at the Scottdle Elks Lodge, located at 151 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale.
- September 18, 2025: Opening Reception from 6-8 p.m.
- September 29-21, 2025: Exhibit Open - Friday, 1p.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, 1p.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday, 12p.m. - 3 p.m.
- September 21, 2025: Exhibit Closes at 3 p.m. Artwork not sold must be picked up from 3p.m. - 5 p.m. Artists will be contacted during the weekend if their artwork is sold.
PLEIN AIR LOCATION DETAILS
Scottdale Downtown:
Scottdale area is rich in cultural, industrial and architectural history and has a variety of opportunities to capture on canvas. From Victorian era homes to public parks, vistas and industrial sites, there is something to paint for everyone.
West Overton:
West Overton Village is a historic site and museum that illustrates the rise of the American Industrial Revolution. It preserves 19 historic buildings across 40 acres and is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Maple Bottom Farms:
Maple Bottom Farm is 5 minutes from Scottdale at 1119 Cunningham Bridge Rd, on Rt. 819 headed to Dawson.
The beautiful 120 acre family dairy farm has 12 acres of sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos planted with unlimited opportunity for artists to do landscapes, the Farmhouse and buildings and possibly cows
or horses grazing. Calves and 4H animals are in petting pens. Cats and chickens may stroll past. In the event of rain, there is a pavilion to sit under.
PLEIN AIR LOCATIONS MAP
Categories, Prizing & Judging
CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
- A) Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic, Pastels, Pencil, Charcoal, Mixed Media
- B) Youth Artwork: Grades 1-6
- C) Youth Artwork: Grades 7-12
PRIZES AWARDED
- Category A: First Place $150; Second Place $100; Third Place $50
- Category B Youth Prize: First Place $25; Second Place $20; Third Place $10
- Category C Youth Prize: First Place $25; Second Place $20; Third Place $10
- People's Choice Award: $50
*Prizes are awarded only for each category and not for each artist medium used.
ABOUT THE JUDGE
Judge Biography is coming soon!
Pieces are not juried to be in the show. The juror will determine the winners of the exhibit.
* All artwork will be handled with care, however, the Scottdale Historical Society and/or the Scottdale Elks Lodge are not responsible for any damage.
Plein Air Painting Registration
REGISTRATION FEE
- $15 to participate in all three Plein Air Painting Events
- *The online price DOES NOT include applicable $1.30 ticketing and service fees from our ticketing/registrastion partner.
- *The online price DOES NOT include applicable $1.30 ticketing and service fees from our ticketing/registrastion partner.
- There is NO FEE for Youth Artwork Categories, however if a young artist wishes to submit in the "A" Category, they may do so provided they pay the $15 fee*.
The Scottdale HIstorical Society asks that the artist submit at least one piece of artwork for sale in the exhibit which will be displayed during the Scottdale Fall Festival, September 19-21, 2025. Please see the "Important Dates" above. A 25% commission on all sales is retained by the Scottdale Historical Society
REGISTRATION DETAILS
- Artists may register online, by clicking the button below. Please note that online registration fee will incur additional processing fees from our registration partner.
- Artists may register by mail, by downloading and submitting the registration form below and check to the Scottdale HIstorical Society at PO Box 400, 527 N. Chestnut Street, Scottdale, PA
15683
- In-person registration will also be accepted the day of Plein Air Painting Events.
For any questions about the Plein Air Painting Events, please email us or call / text 724-216-7477.
Plein Air Painting Rules & Guidelines
Artists supply all their own material including canvas and paper, paint and easel and don’t forget a chair to sit in if needed. Discount lunches will be available for purchase from a number of Scottdale’s eateries. All skill levels are invited to participate.
- Submitted artwork must be produced from one of the Plein Air Painting Events
- Size limitations on finished pieces including frame is 24' high by 36" wide.
- Mediums accepted include oil, water soluble oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, pastels, and multi-media.
- All skill levels and ages are welcome.
- Artist sets the price of work. The Scottdale Historical Society retains a 25% commission from all sales.
- For the exhibit, all artwork shall be framed and utilize D-ring hooks with braided wire suitable for hanging and be complete with finished backs. Sawtooth hangers will not be
accepted. All artwork submitted shall attach an Artwork Tag on the back.
Download the Registration Form above for the Artwork Tag.
- Artists can take photographs for reference only, but photographs cannot be sold or distributed via social media or other sources.
- For Youth artists, a responsible parent/guardian must accompany the youth at all times.
- Artwork deemed inappropriate for a family event will not be accepted.
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