Plein Air Quick Draw

The first of this annual event began last year in 2024. It brought in 13 artists who painted different scenes of our downtown area. The final pieces were judged by Matt Allyn Chapman. The winning artists were Marita Hines, Ellen Pennington, and Kelly Charles. Over $1300 worth of art that was created that morning (in under 2 hours) was sold!

The Basics

• When: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Registration Location: TBD
• Judging: Mount Joy Area Historical Society – 120 Fairview Street, Mount Joy
• Paint Out Area: You can see our allowed areas in the following Google map. We will also have this available in printed form at the registration table.
• Subject Matter: Anything observed within the paint out area. Artists are encouraged (but not required) to paint Mount Joy’s buildings as a way to capture our history.
• Cost: $10 to participate, free to spectate!
  • You can register online here or sign up day of event

Plein Air Registration

$10.00

Out of stock

Timeline

Rules

1. Rain or shine! No refunds will be made due to inclement weather. We will have indoor/covered locations available in the case of rain.
2. You must be at least 18 years old.
3. Be responsible with your painting location:
   • Keep to public spaces. Only set up on private property with owner’s permission.
   • Do not block traffic (car or pedestrian).
4. Painting:
   • You must begin with a blank surface (canvas, paper, etc.).
   • Artwork must be completed “En Plein Air” – creating in the open air directly from the scene as it appears in the moment, without the aid of photographs.
   • Work must be started and finished within the allotted 2 hour window (10am-noon)
   • Bring your own supplies and equipment.
   • Mediums allowed: any traditional 2-dimensional mediums are allowed (charcoal, graphite, acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, etc.). No photography or digital art.
5. Judging and sales:
   • Final artwork must be framed or gallery wrapped.
   • Artists are responsible to bring an easel/tripod to present their artwork. We will provide blank labels to attach.
   • All artwork must be for sale.
     • A 30% commission will benefit the Mount Joy Area Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Artists will receive 70% of the amount paid for their artwork. The Mount Joy Area Historical Society is responsible for payment of PA sales tax.
   • Any unsold artwork that is not picked up by end of event will be considered as a donation to the Mount Joy Area Historical Society.
   • The judge’s decisions are final.

Awards

• First Place, sponsored by TBD – $150
• Second Place, sponsored by TBD – $100
• Third Place, sponsored by TBD – $50

Juror

TBD

Questions/Contact

info@mountjoyhistory.com

Sponsors

TBD

Disclaimer

Participation constitutes agreement that images may be used for web and print promotional purposes. 

None of the involved groups (Mount Joy Area Historical Society) are responsible for personal injury, illness, or damage/loss/theft of artwork that may happen during this event. Artists must provide their own insurance coverage if desired. In addition, artists are responsible for their own personal safety during the event.  Applying for the event constitutes the artist’s agreement with all rules and statements made here.