MEDIA:  Any medium used to create 2-dimensional art such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencil, pastel, or charcoal are permissible.  Other materials and mediums may be acceptable with permission of the RTPA Plein Air Committee.

 

PLEIN AIR DEFINITION: All paintings must be completed “en plein air” described as painting in the open air, working directly from the landscape or scene as it appears at that moment, without the aid of photos or cameras or more than a few marks afterward in the studio. Porches, gazebos, and pavilions can be used as shelter while painting; artists are responsible for gaining necessary permissions.

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PAINT OUT AREA:

 

Paint out area is currently being updated.

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SUBJECT MATTER:  

 

Subject matter is anything observed while standing within the confines of the River Towns Plein Air Paint Out Area .  Designated sites were selected with the Susquehanna River in mind, but we encourage artists to paint the beautiful architecture, street scenes, wildlife, people, etc., that also can be found in this area. 

 

Check out our site gallery. 

 

SURFACE STAMPING:   

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Artists must have all surfaces stamped prior to using them in the competition. At the time of stamping, the surfaces must be blank or primed with a single color. All artwork submitted to the final show must bear the "2024 River Towns Plein Air" ink stamp on the reverse in plain view at the time of acceptance. Volunteers will be available at MH Studio & Gallery/MAA, 42 W Market St, Marietta PA to stamp surfaces on the dates/times below:

• Wednesday, April 10, 2024:  8AM-11AM and 6PM-8PM

• Friday, April 12, 2024: 8AM-11AM

• Monday, April 15, 2024: 8AM-11AM

For additional dates/times and with adequate notice, text 717-314-9551 and the committee will try to accommodate.  

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SUBMISSION OF ARTWORK LABEL INFO:

 

Submit painting details as you go. Go to https://www.mariettaartalive.com/label each time you complete a painting. The information gathered here will be used to create labels for the final show. Deadline for submission is April 17, 2024, at 8PM. With each label submission, you should see the message “Thanks for submitting!  Add another.”  

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EXHIBIT SPACE:

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At the end of the paint out period, artists may enter as many pieces of work that will fit in a display area.

The exhibit space is 2 standard art display panels (approximately 6 ft. wide X 6 ft. high).  Artists may install as many eligible RTPA 2024 works as will fit in this area and are encouraged to use various formats to create an interesting display.  Artists may identify up to two works for the JURIED AWARDS and an additional work for each SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARD.​

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All submissions must bear the RTPA 2024 canvas/paper stamp marking.  This will be confirmed at time of acceptance.

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All artwork must have been created on-site within the River Towns Plein Air Paint Out Area or a Designated Painting Site from April 10-17, 2024, to be eligible for entry into the show and for awards. 

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All artwork must be professionally framed or gallery wrapped.  If pieces are gallery wrapped canvas, the sides must be painted and finished neatly. All work must be wired for hanging--no sawtooth hangers will be accepted. Artwork that is unfinished or unprofessional in appearance may be disqualified from the judging and exhibition.

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EXHIBIT AND DISPLAY SET UP:  

 

The RTPA 2024 Planning Committee will provide display panels, labels, and hooks for use at this show. Artists are required to install their own work. Location for the show and sale will be at Studio 264, Marietta Community House, 264 W Market St Rear., Marietta, PA.  ​

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Organizers will make every effort to ensure patrons are a sufficient distance from the displayed artwork. The exhibit building will be locked overnight. Two or more volunteers will be on hand during the exhibit hours to monitor the exhibit and manage sales.

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SALE OF ARTWORK:  

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All artwork must be for sale. A 30% commission will benefit Rivertownes PA USA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Artists receive 70% of amount paid for their paintings. A PA sales tax of 6% will be collected at the time of sale. Rivertownes PA USA is responsible for the payment of PA Sales Tax. 

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QUICK DRAW EVENT:

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The Quick Draw event will be held in Marietta, PA. It is open to artists 18 years and older.  

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Artists who apply for River Towns Plein Air 2024 and pay the $40 application fee are automatically registered for the Quick Draw event.

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Registration for additional artists begins March 1, 2024 at 8am and continues up until the day of the event. The registration fee for artists to paint only in the Quick Draw event is $10. 

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A special map of the Quick Draw area will be provided prior to the event.. Artists will have 2 hours to complete a painting and another 1/2 hour to frame and deliver the painting to the judging area.​ Judging and awards will follow the Quick Draw event.

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