Woodbury Plein Air returns on June 20, 2026 at Earl Reservoir!
Attendance & Registration
Woodbury Plein Air is open to the public and welcomes artists, families, and community members of all ages.
Admission is free for Woodbury residents.
Non-residents are welcome to attend with a sliding scale contribution of $2–$5, helping to support the growth of this community arts program.
Artists who wish to participate in the plein air competition must complete registration in advance. Registration is required to be eligible for jury awards and official recognition.
Registration is also required for any workshops or structured activities offered throughout the day, as space may be limited.
We look forward to welcoming you—whether you’re joining as an artist or coming to experience the day.
Registration NOW OPEN till JUNE 16.
About the Event
Woodbury Plein Air 2026 brings together professional, emerging, and youth artists for a full day of outdoor painting competition set in the scenic Earl Reservoir, artists will create original work on-site while engaging with the public in a vibrant, open-air environment.
This year’s event features new artist categories, expanded opportunities for youth participation, and live musical and movement performances woven throughout the park to inspire both artists and audiences. Jury prizes of $250 will be awarded in both catagories (25+ and 25-) for best painting of the day.
Presented by the Woodbury Arts Council in partnership with the Town of Woodbury, producing partner Media Sutra Inc.
Artist Categories
- 25 and Under (High School & College Students)
- 26 and Over (Professional & Emerging Artists)
Registration Fees
- 26+ Artists: $40
- College Artists: $20
- High School Students: Free
(Fees support event coordination, materials, and programming.)
What to Expect
- Full-day plein air painting experience
- Assigned painting areas within Earl Reservoir
- Breakfast and Lunch provided for competitors
- Live music and movement performances throughout the day
- Opportunities to engage with the public
- Public exhibition and awards presentation
- Optional online sales opportunity following the event
Event Schedule (Location and Overview)
Location: Earl Reservoir “the Rez” Woodbury, NY. 1 Coach Wilson Trail, Highland Mills, NY 10930
Schedule Overview:
- Morning: Artist check-in & setup
- Midday: Open painting + live performances
- Afternoon: Final painting session
- Closing: Public exhibition & awards
(Detailed schedule will be shared with registered artists.)
Artist Requirements
- Artists must bring their own materials and equipment
- Work must be created on-site during the event
- Artists should be prepared to engage with the public
- All media are welcome (painting, drawing, mixed media)
Awards & Recognition
Artists will be recognized in each category (25 & Under and 26+).
Additional details on recognition and exhibition will be shared closer to the event.
Accessibility
Earl Reservoir is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking available.
Assistance for mobility access within the park can be provided upon request.
How to Apply
Please complete this registration form, registration officially opens April 27, 2026. You will be asked to provide:
- Name and contact information
- Artist category
- Brief artist statement
- Sample images of your work (optional but encouraged)
- Website or portfolio (optional)
Guided Plein Air Workshop
Special Guided Painting Workshop (non-competitive)
From 1:00–3:00 PM, members of the Woodbury Arts Council will offer a guided plein air painting workshop—perfect for beginners, families, or anyone curious to try outdoor painting in a fun, supportive setting. Registration for Guided Plein Air Workshop is required and separate from admission. Special discounted registration available for adult–child painting pairs! Register Here
Park Admission
Audience admission into park will be free for all Woodbury residents. A small sliding scale admission ($2-$5) will be charged for all out of town residents for this one day only.
Questions?
For more information, contact:
admin [at] woodburyartscouncil.org
Woodbury Plein Air 2025 – A Grand Experiment in Art and Community Making
The Town of Woodbury and the Woodbury Arts Council are proud to announce Woodbury Plein Air 2025, a unique celebration of art, nature, and community, taking place Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the stunning Earl Reservoir. A plein air event (from the French term en plein air, meaning "in the open air") is a gathering or organized activity where artists create artwork—usually paintings—outdoors, directly in the landscape or environment they are depicting. These events celebrate the practice of working from life, rather than from photographs or studio setups, and they emphasize spontaneity, natural light, and direct engagement with the surroundings.
This special event invites artists of all levels—from seasoned plein air painters to curious newcomers—to come together in one of Orange County’s most beautiful natural locations. With open skies, wooded trails, a lakefront beach, and panoramic views from the hilltop, the Earl Reservoir offers an inspiring backdrop for creativity and connection.
Usually only open to Woodbury residents, for one day only all are welcome, the event is more than just a painting day—it’s a community celebration. Attendees will enjoy a vibrant mix of live music, local flavor, and activities for all ages throughout the day.
Earl Reservoir will be open and accessible all day for FREE, to participate in Plein Air Competition and Guided Plein Air Activity please register below, registration will incur a fee to cover expenses for activity. Weather your competing or would like to experience beauty of Earl Reservoir, park goers will get to tour and view the painting competition as it happens, our competition will conclude at 4:30 pm when the Jury Prize will be announced.
Plein Air Competition!
Registered artists will have the opportunity to compete for a $300 Jury Prize awarded to the top plein air painting of the day. Judging will take place during a community viewing at the end of the event.
Special Guided Painting Activity
From 1:00–2:30 PM, join our guided plein air painting activity—perfect for beginners, families, or anyone curious to try outdoor painting in a fun, supportive setting. Special discounted registration available for adult–child painting pairs!
Event Registration is CLOSED. Please see our article for a recap on the inaugral Woodbury Plein Air.
Special thanks to the Orange County NY Arts Council for partnering with us and to our producing partner Media Sutra Inc.
What Your Registration Includes:
- One-day access to Earl Reservoir and park amenities
- Participation in the Woodbury Plein Air art contest
- Complimentary lunch
- Live music and community activities
- Entry to Plein Air Jury Competition to win $400 in cash prizes ($300 first prize, $100 runner up)
- A 1-year membership to the Woodbury Arts Council