Falls Church Arts Brings Plein Air Festival Back In 2023

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Every year, artists descend upon Falls Church to create art inspired by local landmarks. The Plein Air Festival hosted by Falls Church Arts will return from Sept. 15 to 30.

As suggested by the name, the Plein Air Festival focuses on plein air painting, where artists go outdoors to capture landscapes. In past years at the festival, artists have painted locations like the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, the Falls Church Farmers Market, Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn, and Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Victorian buildings.

Participating artists can enter the festival competition by getting their canvas or papers stamped at the Falls Church Arts gallery (700-B West Broad Street) or Art and Frame of Falls Church (307 East Annandale Road) during business hours.

Residents may spot artists around town working on their art during much of the festival. The festival will culminate with public viewing and awards on Saturday, Sept. 30 on the City Hall grounds (300 Park Avenue). Judging will be done by juror Alexia Scott, a DC-based impressionist landscape painter. There will also a People’s Choice Award, which the public can vote on between 9 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 30.

At the festival on Sept. 30, attendees can browse the art and buy it to take home at the end. There will also be a quick draw competition open to all ages and skill levels from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sept. 30. Winners of the quick draw competition and festival will be announced at noon.

There is a cost to participate in the Plein Air Festival and quick draw competition, but festival attendance is free.