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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 Photography.

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. A portion of the proceeds support Maryhill Museum of Art.

Plein air painter painting over the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Washington

Photo credit: David Burbach Photography

This Years Event

PNW Plein Air 2023

PNW Plein Air 2023

When the spring wildflowers arrive in the Columbia River Gorge in 2023, they will be greeted by more than 40 artists who will be working to capture their beauty.

Pacific Northwest Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge is a “wet paint” show. Purchased artworks are taken home by their buyers when they are sold.

Look for artists painting in the Gorge between April 24–27, including on the museum grounds. Follow @maryhillmuseum and #pnwpleinair2023 to see artists in action!

Completed paintings will be available for purchase in the museum’s M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Education Center from April 30–May 29. A portion of the proceeds support Maryhill Museum of Art.

Maryhill Museum of Art is pleased to partner with Friends of the Columbia Gorge to showcase the connection between arts and conservation.


2023 Juror

Lori Putnam: https://loriputnam.com/


2023 Sponsors

  • Friends of the Columbia Gorge
  • Scottsdale Artists’ School
  • Tokki Art Supply, Hood River
  • David Burbach Photography
  • Evona Brim
  • Kathleen Marquart
  • Byron & Sue Henry
  • Stephen & Laura Muehleck


2023 Participating Artists

  • Celeste Bergin 
  • Aimee Erickson 
  • Amalia Fisch 
  • Laura Gable 
  • Scott Gellatly  
  • Millie Gosch 
  • Beth Grant 
  • Carole Gray-Weihman 
  • Susan Elwart Hall 
  • Zachary Hixson 
  • Shirl Ireland 
  • Aaron Cordell Johnson 
  • Thomas Kitts 
  • Bhavani Krishnan 
  • Katia Kyte 
  • Tracy Leagjeld 
  • Michael Lindstrom 
  • Gretha Lindwood 
  • Janie Lowe 
  • Tiffanie Mang 
  • Lynn Mehta 
  • Elizabeth Menand 
  • Gia Moody 
  • Erich Neubert 
  • Anton Pavlenko 
  • Margaret Plumb 
  • Cathleen Rehfeld 
  • Sally Reichmuth 
  • Paul Rosiak 
  • James Sampsel 
  • Erik Sandgren 
  • Mark Shasha 
  • Melanie Thompson 
  • Kathryn Townsend 
  • Valentina Voronkova 
  • Yer Vue 
  • Jordan Walker 
  • Durre Waseem 
  • Elo Wobig 
  • Rick Woods 
  • Paul Zegers 
  • Min Zhong 
  • Yong Hong Zhong 

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

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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