The Plein Air Smokies event is set to begin on September 21 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, organized by Friends of the Smokies. This annual gathering will feature nearly 24 established artists who will showcase their talents by creating unique paintings that reflect the park’s stunning landscapes. The artwork produced will be sold to help raise funds for the park’s conservation efforts.
Running from September 21 to 28, the event will kick off with artists painting various scenic views throughout the Smokies. Those interested in purchasing the artwork can do so on September 27-28 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now in its third year, Plein Air Smokies has successfully raised over $160,000 for the park in its previous editions.
In addition to supporting the park, the event provides local students from two area schools an opportunity to learn from professional artists. Selected students will spend a day in the park creating their own art with guidance from plein air painters, focusing on outdoor painting techniques.
Dana Soehn, president and CEO of Friends of the Smokies, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “This event celebrates the longstanding tradition of artists capturing and sharing the beauty of the Smokies. Artwork is an important way for people to make meaningful connections to this special place.”
The first chance to buy the paintings will occur during the Collectors Soiree on September 27 at Regas Square Events in downtown Knoxville. Tickets for this fundraising event are priced at $150 and can be acquired via the Plein Air Smokies website. Any remaining artwork will be available for the general public on Saturday, September 28, at the same venue.
The activities will continue in downtown Knoxville on the morning of September 28 with a Quick Draw contest open to everyone. Artists wishing to participate must register online and pay a $30 entry fee by September 20. On the morning of the event, they will check in at the Market Square stage and have until 11 a.m. to paint a location of their choice. Judges will evaluate the completed works at 11:30 a.m., announcing winners at noon. Artwork created during the Quick Draw will also be available for purchase. More information regarding the contest, registration, and rules can be found on the Plein Air Smokies website.
A highlight of the Quick Draw competition is the opportunity for the winner to receive an invitation to join the Plein Air Smokies artists in 2025. Susan Waters from Georgia, the winner of the 2023 Quick Draw, will return in 2024, joining other talented plein air artists such as Harsh Agrawal, Marc Anderson, Zufar Bikbov, and many more.