Brevard Plein Air Festival
EVENT DATES: September 8-13th, 2025 in Brevard, NC
APPLICATION FEE: $75 registration fee
OVERVIEW:
The Brevard Plein Air Festival returns for its fifth year as a six-day juried painting event, culminating in the popular Wet Paint Art Show & Sale on Saturday, September 13th in downtown Brevard. This signature event invites talented artists from across the region to capture the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant spirit of Brevard and its surrounding areas.
September is the perfect time to experience Western North Carolina, as early hints of fall begin to transform the mountains with vibrant colors. Artists will find endless inspiration not only in the area’s renowned waterfalls, sweeping mountain vistas, and serene valleys but also in Brevard’s historic and charming downtown. Its picturesque streets, lined with locally owned shops, galleries, and cafes, provide a perfect backdrop for capturing the town’s unique character and welcoming community.
Festival Highlights
Juried Painting Competition
Artists are encouraged to explore and paint throughout the week at scenic locations of their choice. Each participant is required to complete at least one day in downtown Brevard.
Quick Draw Competition (Thursday)
Held within the Heart of Brevard district, this fast-paced challenge asks artists to create a finished work in a limited time, with the backdrop of historic buildings, bustling streetscapes, and mountain views adding extra charm to their creations. (Optional Participation)
Patron Preview Event (Friday Evening)
This exclusive event offers patrons a first look at works from each artist before the public sale, fostering connections between collectors and artists in a festive social setting.
Wet Paint Art Show & Sale (Saturday)
The festival’s grand finale gives attendees the chance to purchase your freshly painted works that reflect the beauty and spirit of Brevard and its stunning natural surroundings in conjunction with a downtown street festival.
A curated list of recommended scenic destinations, overlooks, and local landmarks will be provided to artists two weeks prior to the event.
Celebrate five years of creativity, community, and the magic of plein air painting this September!
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
Application Submittal: March 3rd through June 3rd
Notification to Applicants of Acceptance as a Participating Artist: Rolling acceptance starting May 12th
Final Juror Selection: June 20th
APPLICATION FEES:
The event application fee is $75 and payable via check or through Square. Please note that payments made through Square are subject to a $5 processing fee.
Application Fee Payment Link via Square is found HERE.
If paying by Check, please make it out to Heart of Brevard, list 'Brevard Plein Air' in the memo line and mail it to Heart of Brevard, P.O. Box 931, Brevard NC 28712.
All application fees are nonrefundable.
PARTICIPATION SIZE:
Up to 30 artists will be accepted into the event. The jurying process is blind, meaning jurors review and select artists based solely on the submitted artwork, without access to identifying information about the applicants.
SALES:
We will only accept artwork that is painted during the event. You must agree to submit between two to four pieces that will be displayed during the Patron's Party on Friday evening and the art sale on Saturday.
All sales will be handled through Heart of Brevard during the event. 60% of the proceeds of each art piece will go to the artist and the remaining 40% will benefit Heart of Brevard and support our mission. Artists checks will be mailed within 30 days of the Wet Tent Sale. A completed and submitted W9 is required for payment to be made.
ACCEPTABLE MEDIA:
Works in the following approved disciplines will be accepted: painting & drawing
Acceptable media include: paint, graphite, charcoal, pastel, & watercolor
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact info@brevardnc.org
SIZE REQUIREMENTS:
Works to be hung must be no larger than 4 ft. per side (outside dimensions, horizontal and vertical, including frame).
PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS:
All work must be finished and ready to hang for the Patron's event on Friday evening and the Wet Paint Sale on Saturday.
Artists are required to submit a minimum of two pieces and a maximum of four pieces into the sale. Does not include your Quick Draw entry.
QUICK DRAW PAINT OUT:
This is one of the most exciting experiences of the event. Held on Thursday afternoon, artists entered into our Quick Draw competition will set up their easels on the streets of downtown Brevard. It's a fun event for both the artist and spectators. We will outline an area within downtown where you can choose to paint. Be prepared to engage, share and create memories during this two hour event.
The cost to enter the Quick Draw Paint Out Competition is included in your $75 application fee for Brevard Plein Air. Paintings completed in the Quick Draw will be juried and top honor ribbons and award money will be awarded on Saturday during the Wet Paint Sale. Your artwork will be available for sale at the Wet Paint Sale on Saturday.
LIABILITY:
Heart of Brevard (HOB) will not assume any liability for loss or damage to works of art in this exhibition. Although utmost care will be taken to prevent damage, theft, or loss, there can be no guarantee as the exhibition will be in venues open to the public. Entry in the show constitutes agreement with all conditions in this prospectus.
Participating in the exhibit includes permission to sell the art entry and make digital images of exhibited artwork for HOB archives. 60% of the sale proceeds will benefit the artist and the remaining 40% will benefit HOB and its mission. If the item is unsold at the sale, the artist may choose to keep the piece or donate the item.
For more information: contact Heart of Brevard at info@brevardnc.org or 828-884-3278