Plein Air Litchfield
Volunteers/Sponsors/Donors
A thriving arts culture with major art events is a proven way to attract visitors to the many enjoyable aspects of Litchfield. Plein Air Litchfield 2025 is expanding to a 7-day event, with $8500 in cash awards. Professional artists will begin applying in February; 30 will be selected to visit in the Fall. They will immerse themselves in the many beautiful locales of Litchfield to paint and sell their artwork. With the artists as the attraction, visitors will come to watch them create their art while enjoying a unique taste of Fall. Artists' painting locations will be shared, allowing the public to head out into "the field" to watch the artists at work and talk to them about their craft. Your help and support is needed to make this all happen. Join us as a volunteer, a host, a corporate sponsor, or a Friend of Plein Air donor.
Volunteer/Host
Support Plein Air Litchfield by hosting an out of state artist during the 6-day event. Hosts will receive a ticket to the Gala. Fill out the contact form or call or email Pam Corning, Hosting Chair.
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​Volunteers are needed for hospitality, show/reception, information for visitors, parking, and other areas. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Fill out the contact form.
Corporate Sponsor
Increased donations and sponsorships will allow Plein Air Litchfield, under the umbrella of Art Tripping (a 501(c)3 organization), to further the goal of establishing Litchfield as a destination for art and community art experiences. Corporate sponsors logos and/or names will be acknowledged. Call today for sponsorship info:
(203) 515-9337
Friend of Plein Air Donor
PAL Friends of Plein Air have a unique role in supporting Litchfield as a cultural destination through their financial contributions. This support helps make the event possible.
Hosting
Event Dates: Saturday September 12th to Sunday 20th (this is an 9-Day Event and we need hosts for 8 nights).
We have artists competing from across the country and many will be traveling a long way. We do need hosts who may be able to share their home for 8 nights.
What is PAL 26?
Juried Plein Air artists from around the country will create paintings of our beautiful community. Last year they could be seen painting throughout our town, farms and natural areas. Events will be held in different locations during the week, culminating in a special Evening Soiree at 5 Points Arts Center for the presentation and sale of the art. There will also be workshops and lectures that will be open to the public during the week of the event. On the 12th, both PAL26 artists and any member of the community who wishes to join in, will be able to participate in a Quick Draw event which will end with judging of both groups, prizes and opportunity to sell the artwork.
Throughout the year preceding the event, there will be open events for local artists to join together at exceptional locations shared by the owners, so that the artists may engage in painting together in the Plein Air style. These events are free and more information can be found on the website. We will also have artists painting at local restaurants and events so that community members can engage with the artists and enjoy observing the process. The Litchfield Community center is serving as the home of PAL26, and we are excited that the 5 Points Gallery is the host for the special Soiree evening, competition and gallery event. Hosts will be invited to a Meet and Greet with the artists on the first day of the main event as well as the Soiree at 5 Points Center.
Why do we need hosts?
By providing a Hosting program, Plein Air Litchfield can support artists who are otherwise faced with prohibitive housing costs, allowing us to attract quality artists. As you know, lodging is both limited and expensive in the Litchfield area. Local hosting is the option most painters in these competitive events rely on. It makes it financially feasible for artists to participate and has proven to be a win-win for both the hosts and the painters, enabling community members to support the event and the arts community in a meaningful way.
What does a Host provide?
A host provides a private bedroom, access to a bathroom and use of a small space in the refrigerator for food. It is helpful but not necessary if there is a place for the artist to store their artwork and a temporary space to do some framing.
A host understands that the artists are here to work and to compete and may keep odd hours (in order to capture early and late light).
It is possible that hosts may see little of the artist, efforts are made to match hosts and artists to meet needs and facilitate a rewarding experience for both.
These stays require no extras. Artists are self-sufficient. They require only a safe place to sleep, and a clean place to wash up.
Why Host?
Support your local art community and Plein Air Litchfield to make the creation of art visible and accessible to all community members.
Hosting is a fun and unique experience allowing you to meet and support professional artists.
Hosts will receive a ticket to the Gala.
Social Media. Follow us to see what is already happening and for events both before and during the main event.
Website: https://www.pleinairlitchfield.com/
Facebook: Follow Plein Air Litchfield
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleinairlitchfield/#
Please reach out to me if you are interested in hosting or have any questions. Your support could make a big difference for artists who want to participate and will help us to encourage creativity in our community.
Pam Corning
860-459-7562
20260218
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Retailers and Restaurants
Plein Air Litchfield plans to turn Litchfield's business district into a "Strolling Gallery" during the festival. If you own a business in the center of town, sign up to display original artwork by a Plein Air Litchfield 2025 artist in your windows.
Your listing will appear on pleinairlitchfield.com and visitlitchfieldct.com, as well as on PAL and the EDC's social media accounts. You will also be included in press released throughout September.
To register, email: pleinairlitchfield@gmail.com or call â€(203) 515-9337‬
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Artist Jim Laurino, Litchfield Hills
Food & Restaurant Guide
Another way Businesses can support Plein Air Litchfield is to buy an ad that will be in on our website,www.pleinairlitchfield.com.
Last year our Director went to Plein Air Easton, MD to learn from the most revered plein air event in the country. She learned that it would be a great service if information about good places to dine would be in one location. Artists, visiting collectors, and tourists who don't know the area need a clearing house with good recommendations. This will provide for that and the advertisement will last 1 year.
Inquire at pleinairlitchfield@gmail.com
$250 Multiple full color photos with description and an additional Blog Post.
$100 Full color image with description.
