Cape Ann Plein Air

Cape Ann Plein Air

Thu, Oct 8, 2026 — Sun, Oct 11, 2026

About this event

Art Classes

For nearly two centuries, Cape Ann, Massachusetts has been a destination for some of the finest painters who paint en plein air. Throughout its five picturesque seaside communities, Cape Ann Plein Air will host its TENTH annual week-long plein air painting celebration in October when the famous Cape Ann light shines at its very best. Organized by the Cape Ann Plein Air Board of Directors, the communities will see 35 of the finest plein air artists in the nation compete for over $22,000 in prizes and awards while raising awareness of the importance of plein air painting and raising the visibility of the creative economy on Cape Ann, the birthplace of American Plein Air painting. Juried for admission by Mike Hernandez and juried for awards by Jeff Weaver. For more information and/or to apply, please visit Cape Ann Plein Air’s website.   EVENTS SCHEDULE: **Details subject to change** APR 1 | APPLICATION DEADLINE MID-APR | NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE OCT 3 | (8AM – 7PM) ARTIST REGISTRATION OCT 3 | 7PM: ALL ARTIST WELCOME AND MEETING OCT 3 – 8 | ARTISTS PAINT EN PLEIN AIR OCT 8 | PAINTING DROP-OFF (4 PIECE MINIMUM) OCT 9 | AWARDS GALA OCT 10 | QUICK DRAW OCT 11 | JUDGES TALK & GALLERY WALKS AWARDS: 1st Place $10,000 (plus entry into CAPA27) 2nd Place $4000 (plus entry into CAPA27) 3rd Place $2000 (plus entry into CAPA27) Greg LaRock Memorial Artist Choice $1,000 (plus entry into CAPA27) Best Cape Ann Abstract: $1,000 Best Americana: $500 Best In Art and Architecture: $500 Best Seascape: $500 Best Nocturne: $750 Best Marine: $500 Best Maritime Activity: $500 Best Working Waterfront: $750

About this calendar

North Shore Arts Association

Visit us! Enjoy diverse exhibitions of fine art in our 6,000 sf of gallery space. Cultivating and promoting the fine arts for 101 years.