Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest
Plein-Air Painting Competition
and art Show
Part music festival, part arts festival, the Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest’s plein-air painting competition and art show invites 30 artists of any experience level to spend the week producing new paintings of the charming landscapes, towns, and people along the Susquehanna River North Branch around French Azilum.
The plein-air event culminates in a juried art show and awards ceremony on Friday evening, extending through the weekend. This show coincides with the music festival and provides festival attendees the opportunity to browse new artworks, meet the artists, and make purchases to take home.
What is "plein air"?
Plein-air (French: “outdoors”) painting or en plein air refers to the act of painting landscapes or other scenes outdoors. The technique developed in France in the 1800’s as paint tubes and other industrial advancements enhanced the portability of painting materials.
2024 Plein-air Artists
Learn more about the visiting plein-air artists participating in the 2024 Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest!
Be a Solstice Fest Painter
Registration to be a plein-air painter at the 2024 Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest is now closed.
Registration for the 2025 Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest will open in early 2025. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for the registration link at that time.
Plein-Air Schedule
Mon Jun 17
8:30 – 9:00 am: Plein-air artists arrive at at French Azilum.
9:00 am: Orientation meeting begins at French Azilum Pavilion Gallery. Artists bring canvases for panel stamping. Don’t miss this as we have important basics to go over. Mandatory
10:30 am – 4:00 pm: Paint around French Azilum or anywhere within 35 miles.
4:00 pm: Paint in downtown Wyalusing, PA. Stay for a nocturne painting.
Tue Jun 18
Morning – Early Afternoon: Paint anywhere in the region within 35 miles of French Azilum.
4:00 pm: Bring in two or three pieces to hang in the Pavilion Gallery at French Azilum (for the evening).
5:00 pm: Meet and Greet. Meet fellow artists, Festival committee members, sponsors, and local art patrons and commuunity members. Enjoy refreshments and wine supplied by the North Star Art Gallery of Ithaca, NY. Live jazz music will be provided by the Richman Combo.
7:00 pm: Stay for a talk on regional art history by artist Jan Lokuta of Wilkes-Barre.
Wed Jun 19
All Day: Paint in Towanda, PA. Set up around the town to capture the beauty of historic architecture, river views, etc.
Thu Jun 20
Paint anywhere in the region within 35 miles of French Azilum.
12:00 pm: Join us for an easy 8 mile canoe paddle (the 32nd annual for artists!) down the Susquehanna River from Wysox, PA, to French Azilum. We’ll stop along the way to paint. Rent canoes or kayaks from Endless Mountain Outfitters in Sugar Run, PA, or bring your own. Gather at French Azilum at 11 am and leave your car to shuttle upriver with the EMO truck.
Fri Jun 21
Paint anywhere in the region within 35 miles of French Azilum.
11:00 am: Bring your work to the Pavilion Gallery at French Azilum and hang up to five pieces.
2:00 pm: Judging by Gil Williams
3:30 pm: Grand Opening of the Solstice Fest’s art show. Awards ceremony and juror’s commentary. The show will remain open until 9 pm on Friday, and throughout Saturday and Sunday. Festival attendees will have the chance to browse the gallery and purchase paintings.
4:15 pm: Music festival begins on the tent stage at French Azilum. (If you paint the figure, consider working from performers.)
Sat Jun 22
“French Azilum Day”: This is the day to set up on the grounds of French Azilum or nearby to paint the historic site and the many activites happening on Saturday during the festival.
Some events of interest for artists:
11:00 am: Koffee with Kate. Enjoy an intimate discussion with singer-songwriter Kate Taylor (sister of James Taylor), who happens not only to be rock royalty but a painter as well.
12:00 pm: Children’s mural painting session led by artist Jan Lokuta
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Portrait demo in oil by festival artistic director Brian Keeler in the Wagon House.
12:00 – 4:00 pm: Tours of the historic Laporte House at French Azilum.
3:00 pm: Stephen Foster presentation by Jan Lokuta
See also the information on our speakers and concerts.
Sun Jun 23
Paint French Azilum Day – “Part Two”
Some events of interest for artists:
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Quick draw event
1:00 pm: Puppet Show with the Lilypad Puppet Theatre of Ithaca, NY
12:00 pm: Portrait demo in oil by festival artistic director Brian Keeler in the Wagon House
3:45 pm: Final awards ceremony on the tent stage. This smaller awards ceremony will celebrate works produced over the weekend at French Azilum.
5:00 pm: Pick up unsold work. Farewell, and see you next year!
2024 Plein-Air Juror
Gil Williams
Our esteemed 2024 juror is Gil Williams of Binghamton, NY. Gil has spent a long and productive career as an art collector. With a particular affinity for plein air work, his extensive collection focuses on prints of American artists but he also has many originals throughout his home.
2024 Plein-Air Awards
1. Merit Awards:
a. Marquis Art & Frame Merit Award
b. Main Street Galleries Merit Award
c. $100 gift certificate to Wyalusing Hotel
d. Light on the Figure, Brian Keeler’s recent book
e. Painting the Finger Lakes, Plein Air Art Instruction DVD by Brian Keeler
2. William Keeler Award for Best Nocturnal Painting: $200
3. Endless Mountains Award for Best Landscape: $200
4. Cloud Croft Studio Award for Best Water Color: $250
5. PS Bank Award for Best Use of Color: $250
6. The Hayseed Group Award for Best River Scene: $250
7. Doreen Gerlach Memorial Award for Best Use of Light: $300
8. North Star Galleries Award for Best Composition: $300
9. Summit Frame & Fine Art Award for Excellence in Oil Painting: $300
10. American Art Review Award: ¼ page ad AAReview ($800 value)
11. Best Painting of Lake Wesauking:
Second Prize: $200
First Prize: 300
12. Ken & Caroline Taylor Family Foundation Best of Show Award: $500