1st Place in 2925—Jean Cauthen, “Misty Morning on Morris”

Plein Air Show & Sale

The Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival is a four-day, open-enrollment plein air painting event. It takes place in the beautiful mountainous area surrounding the town of Blowing Rock in western North Carolina, from Tuesday, September 15, to Saturday, September 19, 2026. The 9th annual festival aims to bring painters from around the world together to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event encourages painters to explore the unique Blowing Rock architecture, spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views, and overall Appalachian feel of one of the most scenic areas in the country. 

After four days of painting "en plein air," painters are invited to display their completed works at the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on Saturday, September 19 for Collectors and the public to enjoy this impressive display of Plein Air paintings and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of the High Country. 

All art submitted to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition.
This year’s Plein Air Judge is Kyle Buckland. To learn more about him and his work please visit his website, https://kylebuckland.com/about.

For Plein Air Festival information, contact PleinAir@BlowingRockMuseum.org