Paint the Shore is FULL! Please email director@veslt.org to be added to the waitlist.

Paint the Shore is a plein air painting exhibit designed to bring conservation to the public through visual art. Paint the Shore welcomes artists to conserved land, highlighting both the art of plein air painting and the unique natural environment on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Artists will have the opportunity to capture a brief moment in a changing landscape and celebrate 20 years of local conservation efforts.

Artists will paint on privately preserved lands from September 12th - November 5th including VES Land Trust held conservation easements. These beautiful rural and coastal landscapes are not usually open to the public. A full list of locations and registration packet will be mailed to you upon acceptance. Painting will begin no earlier than Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 9 a.m. Finished paintings will be due November 8, 2023 at 9 a.m. The art show and reception is Friday, November 10, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Onancock School in Onancock, Virginia.

Full application must be submitted to director@veslt.org or through Google Forms. The application fee is $35 (non-refundable).

The Competition

Any medium may be used. Artists must turn in at least three (3) framed, ready to hang paintings. To provide a range of pricing, one painting must be priced at or under $400. Artists will have room to hang three paintings if 12” x 16” or larger and four if smaller than 12” x 16”. Paintings larger than 18” x 24” cannot be accommodated. All final paintings must be framed with a wire for hanging. The exhibit and sale will open with a reception on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Onancock School, 6 College Avenue, Onancock, VA. Artists are expected to attend the exhibit opening on November 10th. Artists are responsible for picking up any unsold paintings on Monday, November 13th.

Awards

Cash awards will be given for “People’s Choice” and “Artist’s Choice” at the close of the reception on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Paint for a Cause

Twenty years ago, a group of local landowners and citizens joined forces to protect the prime farm and forestland, scenic creeks and bays, wildlife habitat, and historic resources of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Because of strong community support, VES Land Trust helped landowners protect and steward 14,129 acres and 90 miles of shoreline and streams on 80 properties with 26 historic structures.

VES Land Trust works with private landowners to preserve their land ethic using conservation easements. The land is protected from intense uses and development while allowing for traditional farming, forestry, aquaculture, hunting and residential use. Conservation easements have a lasting impact on water quality and wildlife habitat.

35% of painting sales will benefit the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust and its land conservation mission.