National Museum of Wildlife Art to Host 14th Annual Plein Air Fest, Etc.
June 9, 2025The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) will host Plein Air Fest, Etc. for its 14th year on Saturday, June 14, 2025. This event is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with complimentary access to the Museum galleries included.
Nearly 50 invited artists will paint from NMWA’s Sculpture Trail, which offers stunning views of the National Elk Refuge. Attendees are invited to browse and bid on the fresh artworks in a silent auction from 12:15 – 1 p.m. “This vibrant annual event provides attendees with a unique opportunity to connect with regional artists, watch them work in real-time, and add a piece to their collection–maybe for the first time,” says the Museum’s Executive Director Steve Seamons. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum and participating artists. Attendees can also enjoy live music from Derrik & the Dynamos and food for purchase from Palate restaurant, ending at 1:00 p.m.
Plein Air Fest attracts a wide range of talented artists, and attendees will see familiar faces as well as first-time participants. “This year, we are excited to have four new artists and the return of two-time Best In Show Winner Andrew Kneeland. We also have seven Western Visions (NMWA’s largest and longest-running fundraiser) artists, including the returning Amy Ringholz, Patricia A. Griffin, and John Potter. We have a truly diverse group of artists, with many being area locals and others from as far as Oregon to Texas,” says Stefanie Nishio, Programs & Events Manager.
There are two participation categories for the artists: plein air and al fresco. “Featuring two participation categories allows us to celebrate the tradition of the true plein air experience while also allowing artists in the al fresco category to use reference photos or their imagination to express their style. The community connection of this event is truly special, not to mention the amazing artwork produced by the talented artists who come out for this outdoor reunion of creativity,” says Nishio. The plein air category allows artists to paint any regional scene of their choice, and they may begin painting anywhere in the area as early as Friday evening. In contrast, participants in the al fresco category have no limitations on subject matter. The Best in Show award winner will be chosen from the plein air participants, while the al fresco category will not be judged.
All artists will be on the Sculpture Trail by 10 a.m. to finish their pieces live and in person. At 12:15 p.m., all works created during the event, whether in the plein air or al fresco category, will be available via a lively silent auction.
