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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

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. Awards will be given in a number of categories, including “Best Sky,” “Best Mountain,” “Best Water,” “Maryhill Museum Award,” and a museum purchase award.

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.

Plein Air - Maryhill Museum - Columbia Gorge

This Years Event

PNW Plein Air 2023

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

april 2023

30aprAll Day29may2023 Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge Show and SaleEvent Type :PNW Plein Air

may 2023

30aprAll Day29may2023 Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge Show and SaleEvent Type :PNW Plein Air

Previous Years

PNW Plein Air 2022

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.

read more
Plein Air Artists Set to Capture Columbia Gorge Splendor During 2021 Paint Out

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.

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