Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge
Plein air painter working in the Columbia River Gorge; photo by Dave Burbach.
About the Event
Paintings are available for purchase in the Event Sales Gallery in the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Education Center. Proceeds support Maryhill Museum of Art. As work is sold and removed, other work created during the paint-out will replace it.
This Years Event
PNW Plein Air 2023
In 2023, Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge show and sale moves from its long-standing August appearance and appears in the M.J. Murdoch Charitable Trust Education Center from April 30–May 29. The paint-out has long been a gathering of painters from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond to capture the splendor of the Columbia River Gorge. After painting en plein air, works are displayed at Maryhill, where they are for sale to benefit the museum. Prizes are awarded to the most exceptional works.
2023 Juror
Coming Soon
2023 Sponsors
Coming Soon
2023 Participating Artists
Coming Soon
Image Credit: Lynn Mehta (Alexandria, VA), Biggs Junction, 2022, oil on canvas, 12” x 16”; Museum purchase, Collection of Maryhill Museum of Art, 22.8.2
Schedule of Events
Previous Years
PNW Plein Air 2022
Painters from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond gather to capture the splendor of the Columbia River Gorge during a four-day paint out. After four days of painting en plein air, works are displayed at Maryhill, with prizes awarded to the most exceptional works.
Plein Air Artists Set to Capture Columbia Gorge Splendor During 2021 Paint Out
Beginning July 26, close to 40 artists will descend on the Columbia River Gorge with easels, paint and brushes in hand to find the perfect vista from which to capture the incredible beauty of the region. With last year’s edition of Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge paused due to the pandemic, artists are eager to get back to this annual tradition.
Artists to Capture Columbia Gorge Splendor During 2018 Plein Air Event
(GOLDENDALE, Wash., July 10, 2018) -- Beginning July 30, more than 40 artists will descend on the region – easels, paint and brushes in hand – searching for the perfect vista from which to capture the awesome beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. The artists,...
Maryhill Museum of Art hosts Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge
(Goldendale, Wash., April 27, 2017) -- This summer Maryhill Museum of Art will host the 13th annual Pacific Northwest Plein Air event in the Columbia River Gorge. The event begins July 31 with a four-day plein air paint out, followed by an opening reception Friday,...
Maryhill Museum of Art hosts Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge
(GOLDENDALE, Wash., May 9, 2016) – Maryhill Museum of Art will host the 12th annual Pacific Northwest Plein Air Event in the Columbia River Gorge, to be held August 22-28, 2016. Drawing on a long tradition of painting in the open air, this juried event attracts some...