About MMPA
History
This exhibition has served Western Maryland as its premiere Plein Air event, bringing artists from across the United States to the heart of Appalachia for one week of artistry and beauty. Set in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, the event highlights the area’s beautiful vistas, state forests, and historic landmarks, such as the C&O Canal, Casselman Bridge, and the Potomac River.
What is Plein Air Painting?
Plein Air painting has been around for hundreds of years. Evidence of this early movement are rooted in Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and the Barbizon School.
The movement has grown, and today there are Plein Air competitions all around the country, showcasing some of the finest artists in this genre.
What makes these competitions special is the format. Artists arrive at a location, many of which these artists have never visited, and scout out somewhere to paint. They do this rain or shine and paint continuously over a specified period of time, only unveiling their completed works at the conclusion of the competition. It requires tremendous discipline and artistry.
2027 Call For Entry
Thank you for your interest, but the Call for Entry for the Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition & Exhibition is closed this year. Please check back in 2027!
Prize Information
Up to thirty artists will be invited to participate for awards totaling almost $14,000.
Meet the 2027 Juror
Mick McAndrews
- Exhibited in the 148th and 159th Annual International Exhibitions of the American Watercolor Society
- Merit Award, 2026 American Watercolor Society Associate Member Exhibition
- Best Watercolor Award, 92nd National Juried Exhibition of the Hudson Valley Art Association
- Best in Show, 2023 Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival
- 3rd Prize, 2022 Plein Air Easton Competition
- 3rd Prize, 41st Annual Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors
- Exhibited in the 13th and 17th Annual Signature American Watermedia International Exhibitions
- Exhibited in the 2018, 2021, and 2024 National Watercolor Society Member Exhibitions
- Exhibited in the 17th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists
- Demonstration artist and field painter, 2017 Plein Air Convention & Expo
- Featured in a published interview, Plein Air Magazine, June/July 2015
Schedule of Events
June 13–19, 2027 (Sun.–Sat.)
- Welcome Event (evening) – Tuesday, June 15, 2027
- Collector’s Reception (evening) – Friday, June 18, 2027
- Quickdraw (morning) – Saturday, June 19, 2027
*Other events may be scheduled through the week.
2027 MMPA Committee
Committees & volunteers are crucial to the success of all of our events & programs. The AAC would like to extend a very special thanks to the team behind MMPA:
- Patricia Hilton, Chair
- Frank Fotia
Andrea Beall
Sandi Saville
Tama Scarpelli
Ann Townsell
Kelly Moran
Marion Leonard
Donna Miller
Clara Porcello