Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition & Exhibition

The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to announce the return of the Mountain Maryland Plein Air (MMPA) Competition & Exhibition! In previous years, 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.

The 2025 MMPA juried competition and exhibition will be organized by the Allegany Arts Council and the MMPA Committee. Now in its 13th year, this event will showcase artwork at the new Arcadian Gallery, and the Collectors' Reception will  be held at the Allegany Museum. A select group of 30 artists will be invited to compete for awards totaling over $13,000.

This year, the MMPA will take place in downtown Cumberland, MD, from June 9th to June 15th. For more information, please visit the official website by clicking this link.

What is Plein Air?

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 in 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 period of time, only unveiling their completed works at the conclusion of the competition. It requires tremendous discipline and artistry.

Call for Entry

The call for entry for the 2025 MMPA has now closed.