Plein Air Competition Set to Begin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Plein Air Smokies is scheduled to begin on September 21 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, organized by Friends of the Smokies. This annual event will feature nearly two dozen established artists demonstrating their painting skills throughout the week.

The artists will produce unique paintings that embody the scenic beauty of the Smokies, with the intention of selling the artwork to raise funds for the park. The sale of the artwork is set for September 27-28 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Now in its third year, Plein Air Smokies has successfully raised over $160,000 for the park in the previous two years. Additionally, the event provides an educational opportunity for local students from two area schools, who will be selected to spend a day in the national park creating their own pieces under the guidance of professional plein air artists.

“This event celebrates the longstanding tradition of artists capturing and sharing the beauty of the Smokies,” stated Dana Soehn, president and CEO of Friends of the Smokies. “Artwork is an important way for people to make meaningful connections to this special place.”

The first chance to purchase the paintings will occur during the Collectors Soiree on September 27 at Regas Square Events located in downtown Knoxville. Tickets for the soiree are currently available through the Plein Air Smokies website, and any remaining artwork will be open for public purchase on Saturday, September 28.

The festivities will continue in downtown Knoxville on the morning of September 28 with a Quick Draw contest. This contest is open for any participant, who must register online and submit a $30 entry fee by September 20. Artists are required to sign in on the morning of the event and will have until 11 a.m. to paint a location of their choice.

Judging of the artwork will occur at 11:30 a.m., with prize announcements scheduled for noon. Art created during the Quick Draw will also be available for purchase, and participants in this open competition stand a chance to be invited to join the Plein Air Smokies artists in 2025.