Scott Grove

(6/2016) Thirty national award-winning, juried artists will capture Frederick County’s scenic towns and rural landscapes on canvas and compete for cash prizes as part of the 6th annual Easels in Frederick plein air competition, June 13–18. The six-day event culminates in an exhibit of more than 100 paintings created by the artists that week and a Saturday morning Quick Draw contest open to artists of all skill levels.

The participating artists, considered to be among the very best competitive plein air artists in America, originate from 12 states spanning Maine to Florida and as far west as Missouri. This year, five of the artists are from Maryland, including Paul Tooley of Braddock Heights and Deborah Lovelace Richardson of New Market. Collectively, the artists are the recipients of hundreds of awards. Many have been featured in national art magazines and are members of some of America’s most prestigious artist societies. A complete list of the artists and their work can be seen on the Easels in Frederick website.

Following five days of demanding painting throughout the county, sometimes taking place from dawn until midnight, the artists will submit four paintings to be judged and displayed in the Grand Exhibition. National award-winning plein air artist Dee Beard Dean of Charleston, SC, will serve as judge and award cash prizes totaling $14,000. The Grand Exhibition will officially open on Friday, June 17, with the Collectors Preview, a $50 ticketed event from 7–10pm at the Wm. Talley Recreation Center in Frederick’s Baker Park.

Easels in Frederick also includes a Quick Draw contest on Saturday, June 18 from 8:30–11:30am in downtown Frederick. Some 100+ national, regional and local artists of all skill levels (age 8+) will line will paint and sketch against the clock to compete for $1,500 in cash prizes and the ability to sell their work at the Quick Draw Art Market at Memorial Park at the corner of S. Bentz and W. Second streets from 12–1pm. The Quick Draw contest will take place rain or shine. Artists ages 8-17 will have a starting time of 8:30am. Artists 18+ at 9:30 a.m. Advance online registration ($15 adult / $10 youth) is required for both contests by noon, Wednesday, June 15.

To purchase tickets online for the Private Collector’s Preview, or to register for the Quick Draw contest, visit www.easelsinfrederick.org. Tickets for the Preview may also be purchased at the door for $55.

Easels in Frederick is a 501(c)(3) organization, which donates a portion of its proceeds each year to projects that support the education and proliferation of the arts in Frederick County. Or more information call Scott Grove at 301-663-4641.