Step Outside the Studio: Plein Air Painting Takes Over Montgomery County

There’s a unique energy that comes when art meets the open air, and this season, Montgomery County is leaning into it. Led by the Montgomery Art Association (MAA) and local creative hubs, the region is offering a year-round calendar of "paint-outs" that invite artists of all levels to capture our local landscapes in real-time. Whether you're looking to set up an easel among historic architecture or the rolling hills of the Agricultural Reserve, here are the standout dates for your calendar:

• Springtime at Strathmore Mansion: Kick off the season on April 3 at 12:00 PM. The manicured grounds in North Bethesda offer the perfect backdrop for botanical and architectural studies.
• Peirce Mill Painting: Head into Rock Creek Park on April 11 at 8:00 AM to capture the rustic charm of this historic site.
• Agricultural Farm Paint-out: On May 24, artists will gather at Muncaster Road in Derwood for a session themed "Inspired by Grant Wood," celebrating the beauty of our rural heritage.
• Paint the Town Labor Day Show: A Kensington staple, this annual competition transforms the town and Flynn Park into an open-air gallery.
• Riverworks Art Center Events: Keep an eye out for their signature auctions and painting sessions featuring over 20 artists across the Agricultural Reserve. 

From the quiet corners of the Kensington Library Garden to large-scale festivals, the local plein air scene is proving that some of the best masterpieces are created right where the wind blows.