BAY VILLAGE, OHIO, Aug.  21, 2025 – This September the BAYarts Artistic by Nature Plein Air Paint Out will return to the Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks for its third year. Plein air, French for “in the open air”, refers to the tradition of painting outdoors, directly immersed in the landscape. Open to artists of all experience levels, the event will take place September 19–21 at BAYarts, with an Artists’ Reception at 2 p.m. on the final day, Sunday, September 21.

This year’s judge will be acclaimed plein air painter Jeff Evans, a past awardee at the BAYarts Plein Air Paint Out as well as national events including the Bath County Plein Air Festival and Plein Air Easton. Evans brings a practiced eye for the nuances of this unique art form and will select six winners to receive cash prizes of up to $500. Awards will be presented at the Artists’ Reception, which is open to the public. Guests are invited to attend the reception to view the works created over the weekend, many of which will be available for purchase.

New this year is the addition of a Nocturne Paint, inviting artists to capture the atmosphere of evening light and shadows, adding a dramatic new dimension to this annual event. Registration for the Nocturne Paint is $10 and includes a buffet dinner from local favorite Chatty’s Pizzeria.

“The Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks is the perfect location for our Plein Air Paint Out. With lush forests, flowering meadows, the lakeshore, and historic homes, there is no shortage of inspiring subjects for artists to capture,” said BAYarts Artistic Director Karen Petkovic.

Artist registration for the full event will be held in person on September 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at BAYarts located at 28795 Lake Road in Bay Village. The $45 registration fee allows artists to submit up to two pieces for judging. In addition, a Quick Paint competition will take place Sunday morning. Registration for Quick Paint is a separate $10 fee. For full details, visit www.BAYarts.net. Please contact karen@bayarts.net with further questions. 

About BAYarts:

BAYarts is a treasured home for arts and culture located in the Cleveland Metroparks beautiful Huntington Reservation in Bay Village. The mission of BAYarts is to provide a welcoming lakeside environment to stimulate, encourage and support professional and aspiring artists of all ages through collaboration, education and exhibition. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BAYarts celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. 

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