SLC Plein Air Festival 2025

St. Lawrence County has long been known as a wonderful, wild, and beautiful landscape that serves as inspiration for numerous artists, writers, and musicians. With beauty, history, farm land, sparkling streams, and friendly locals, St. Lawrence County boasts many scenic opportunities for experienced and emerging artists.

The SLC Plein Air Festival is truly for everyone who enjoys the art of Plein Air. It is the only Plein Air festival in the North Country with kids and adult categories, offering kid-friendly events and instruction from professional painters. No Kids? Enjoy our 21+ Celestial painting event for adults only. Not a painter? Not to worry. Spectators are welcome to witness the creative process unfold amid the classic St. Lawrence surroundings. Follow the schedule below to find out what events are being held. Afterward, don’t miss the show and sale at the end of the event, where you can take home a picture-perfect memory of your time in St. Lawrence County!

2025 SLC Plein Air Festival Scheduled Events

Painting Dates: May 14th – 18th

Special Events :

Paint the Town Day – May 15th All Day

Join us for Paint the Town Day on May 15th, a community-wide celebration of art and creativity. Artists of all levels are invited to paint urban scenes anywhere in St. Lawrence County, capturing the unique character and charm of our towns and villages. Whether it’s a historic building, a bustling street, or a quiet café, this is a chance to showcase the beauty of our local landscapes through art.

Participants will have the chance to win one of 12 gift card prizes from local businesses!!

Looking to refine your skills before the event? Jennifer Sampson’s Urban Sketching class on May 1st in Garner Park (rain date: May 2nd) offers the perfect opportunity to learn techniques from a professional artist. This class will provide guidance on capturing urban scenes quickly and effectively, helping artists of all experience levels prepare for Paint the Town Day.

• 21+ Celestial Painting and Community Mixer – May 16th from 7 – 10 PM

Join us for an enchanting evening of Celestial Plein Air Painting and Community Mixer on May 16th from 7 – 10 PM. This 21+ event invites you to paint under the night sky, soak in the beauty of the stars, and connect with fellow art lovers in a relaxed outdoor setting.

For just $15 per person, enjoy a creative night of painting, conversation, and community. Alcoholic beverages will be available to enhance the experience, making it the perfect way to unwind and express your artistic side. Whether you’re an experienced painter or just looking for a fun and unique night out, this event is for you.

Family Brunch and Kid-Friendly Session – May 17th from 8:30 – 11:30 AM

Bring the whole family for a morning of creativity and delicious food at our Family Brunch and Kid-Friendly Plein Air Painting Session on May 17th from 8:30 – 11:30 AM. Enjoy a relaxed outdoor painting experience where kids and adults alike can explore their artistic side while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

A delicious brunch will be served, with pricing at $20 per adult and $10 per child for food. This is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoy a meal, and create a masterpiece in the fresh air.

Whether your little ones are budding artists or want to have fun with paint, this event is designed for all skill levels. Join us for a morning of food, family, and creativity!

Exhibition and Sales – May 18th from 4 – 6 PM

At Waddington Town Hall

Award Ceremony – May 18th at 5:30 PM

Many, many prizes to win! Check out our list of prizes below!

Artists and their families are welcome to attend this free event and view the artwork created during the festival! Artists must be present to receive an award.

Prizes

Adults

1st place – $300
2nd place – $200
3rd place – $100

Teens

1st place – $100
2nd place – $50
3rd place – $25

Children

Children’s prizes coming soon!

Celestial Mixer Quick Draw – $50

Brunch Quick Draw Award – $100
Brunch Quick Draw Award Teens – $50
Brunch Quick Draw Award Kids – $25

Paint Your Town Awards – 12 awards available!

Participants will have the chance to win one of 12 gift card prizes from local businesses!!

Upcoming Informational Meetings!

Registration

Non-juried, all levels and ages are welcome to participate! There will be an Adult and a Children’s (under 18) division with separate prizes for each.

FEES: $30 per adult individual early bird registration by April 1st. $40 per adult individual registration (Creative Partners use code PLEINAIR at checkout for discount) $10 For Teens, and $5 for children.

Please be sure to follow the check out link to purchase your registration. Your registration is not complete until we have received payment via Shopify or other payment arrangements have been made. If you would like to pay in-person or via USPS using cash or check, please email harley@slcartscouncil.org.

Locations:

Anywhere in St. Lawrence County

Art Showcase and Awards

At Waddington Town Hall

May 18th, 4-6pm

Award Ceremony – May 18th at 5:30 PM

Artists and their families are welcome to attend this free event and view the artwork created during the festival! Artists must be present to receive an award.

More Information on Award Prizes coming soon!

Hanging of Artwork

By May 18th at 1 – 3 PM

Artwork must be framed (wrapped canvas is allowed) and wired for hanging (no sawtooth hangers), labeled on the back with title, artist’s name, and price or NFS (not for sale).

Artists may bring up to 5 pieces for entry into the competition.

Artist must hang their own Artwork by 3pm at at Waddington Town Hall

Picking Up Artwork

Pick up – May 18th after the Art Showcase

Artists may take their work home from the exhibition on the evening of May 18th, after the conclusion of the showcase exhibit. If they are unable to attend, they may pick up their artwork from SLC Arts at a later date during open hours.

Sales During the Showcase

–Consistent with our shop policies, Artists that are Creative Partners with SLC Arts will keep 70% of the sales price, SLC Arts will keep 30%. Artists that are not Creative Partners will keep 60% of the sales price, SLC Arts will keep 40%.

-SLC Arts will handle sales tax collection and remission through online store sales.

-Any artwork sold “off the easel” before the exhibit will be subject to SLC Arts’ commission. Sold artwork can still be displayed during the showcase and entered into the competition, if possible.

-Artists who do not wish to sell their work must still provide an estimate of value for insurance purposes during the exhibit.

NOTE: Artists may enter up to 5 works in the competition. Artwork must have been drawn/painted en plein air during the festival painting days, and must be properly framed and wired for hanging. Artists are not required to paint every day of the festival. Any subject matter is allowed, so long as it was drawn/painted outdoors from life.