Plein Air Art Event 

The City of Wildwood hosted it's 9th Plein Air Art Event on Saturday, May 6, 2023. "En plein air is a French term that translates literally as 'in the open air.'" This type of art work is completed on location, while outdoors.  

On the morning of the event, participants check-in at City Hall and will be given the location of the event.  Artists are allowed to photograph, paint, draw, etc. anything they want, at that location, but the catch is artists will have only 8 hours to complete their artwork and submit it at City Hall! 

Event Details:

The Wildwood Plein Air Art Event is open to all artists and photographers of any age. Participants younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or designated caregiver for the entirety of the event. Artists and photographers working in all accepted media and photography are welcome. The show is juried. All work must be submitted no later than May 12, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. CDT, to be eligible for judging and prizes (all work must be accounted for and cataloged on May 6, 2023 (the event day – by City Staff). 

Registration fee is $40.00 ($10.00 for students) if registering prior to May 6, 2023. Registration fee on the event day is $50.00 ($20.00 for students). 

Click here to register:

All registrants must report to City Hall on May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The event opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Art pieces will not be accepted after 4:00 p.m. Each artist/photographer must submit at least one item created from the selected areas, during the timeframe advertised for this day. Artists may submit a maximum of two (2) pieces from locations within the subject area of this year’s event. The specific areas will be identified at registration the morning of the event. Maps to, and of, the location will be provided. Submissions will be placed on display in Wildwood's City Hall for sale and judging from the end of the event through Thursday, July 6th. Judging will take place before June 3rd, and winners will be announced, at a participants’ Award Ceremony held at City Hall, the date is to be determined at this time. 

Awards and Exhibit:

Awards will be determined at the discretion of the judges. All work submitted for judging MUST BE FOR SALE. Work an artist decides not to sell during the Wildwood event may not be judged for an award or hung for display. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories (No duplication of awards):

Traditional Media - Best of Show $750.00

Traditional Media - First Runner Up  $500.00

Traditional Media - Honorable Mention

Photography - Best of Show $750.00

Photography - First Runner Up $500.00

Photography - Honorable Mention

(Winners of “Best of Show” and "First Runner Up" will provide their works to the major patron of this event, B&B Theatres)

Student Awards - Two (2) prizes $100.00

Please email Stacy (stacy@cityofwildwood.com) with any questions you may have, or for more information.