Plein Air Painting Festival & Art Auction

“Horses and Painters” at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary

August 16-18, 2024

 

Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, the largest equine sanctuary in the Northeast, is proud to host the inaugural “Horses & Painters” Plein Air Festival, taking place on its 200+ acre historic farm, located in the Western Catskill Mountains of New York. In addition to painting on Saturday and Sunday and the option to submit for prize awards, artists may participate in our Art Auction Fundraiser, which culminates on Sunday evening!

The festival invites artists to apply to join us at the Sanctuary for a weekend of painting the horses, the barns and the landscape of the beautiful Catskills!

Interested artists may apply by completing the Application Form, including submitting three images of their work created outdoors, and paying a $30 Application Fee. Approximately 20 artists will be selected to participate in the event from all submitted applications.

Applications are due by June 30th. Artists will be notified of selection decision by July 7th.

Event Summary

  • Artists may work in their chosen medium and scale.

  • Artists will work from designated painting locations with visibility to the horses and the landscape, some indoor, most outdoor. We will be creative in choosing a variety of locations that are both safe and interesting. If you want to paint from a spot that is not designated, ask and we will consider if at all possible. Artists may paint from more than one location each day.

  • Painting will take place on Saturday and Sunday. An optional artists critique and bonfire will take place on Saturday evening. A juried panel will review works submitted for awards on Sunday afternoon and choose three prize winners (1st Prize $300, 2nd Prize $200, 3rd Prize $100). NOTE: Artists who prefer to participate one day only may join for just Saturday.

  • Artists are encouraged to donate a work (or two!) to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary for inclusion in an Art Auction Fundraiser that will run through the weekend, culminating in live bidding on Sunday evening. This is a great way of thanking the host and supporting the non-profit’s mission, rescuing horses in need. Donated pieces and artists will also be promoted to our 300K social media fans, a great opportunity for artist exposure! Artists may bring a work completed in advance or choose a work produced onsite to add to the auction, or both! All donated artwork becomes the property of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary.

  • Artists are expected to be self-sufficient with supplies for working outdoors throughout the day. There is a bathroom onsite and we will supply fresh water (you bring refillable bottles) and pre-packaged snacks.

  • Lodging is available at numerous Airbnbs as well as several hotels within a 30-40 minute driving range of the Sanctuary. Click here for more information.

(click schedule to download)

 

Thank you for considering joining this very special event! We hope this becomes an annual tradition at Rosemary Farm, and we hope that with your participation, it will be a great success.