WAYNESBORO, Pa. – Waynesboro’s first plein air painting event drew dozens of artists to the community Saturday, bringing creativity outdoors and showcasing regional talent.
A total of 45 participants registered for the April 25 event, organized by local watercolor artist Seth Holmes of Holmes Watercolors of Waynesboro in collaboration with the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro and Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. Artists spread throughout the area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., setting up easels in parks, sidewalks and public spaces to capture scenes in real time.
Participants included artists from Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Frederick and Montgomery County, alongside many local painters, reflecting strong regional interest in the inaugural event.
The plein air format challenged artists to work in changing light and shifting surroundings, a hallmark of the outdoor painting style. Media varied widely, with artists using watercolor, acrylic, oil, charcoal and ink to create original works on-site.
Registration and activities centered around Main Street Park, where artists had their materials stamped to verify same-day work. The event also included swag bags for participants, and select registrants received commemorative tote bags featuring Holmes’ design.
At the conclusion of the event, awards were presented in three age categories: 5 to 12, 13 to 18, and 19 and older.
Organizers encouraged the public to observe artists at work throughout the day, and some participants offered their finished pieces for sale. The event aimed to bring art into the community while giving artists an opportunity to engage with their surroundings in a dynamic and interactive way.
