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 local private and public conservation efforts.
Artists will paint on privately and publicly preserved lands from September 15th - November 1st 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 e-mailed to you upon acceptance. Painting will begin no earlier than Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. Finished paintings will be due November 11, 2026 at 10 a.m. The art show and reception is Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Ker Place in Onancock, Virginia.
Full application must be submitted to outreach@veslt.org or through Google Forms. The application fee is $50 (non-refundable).
The Competition
Any medium may be used. Artists should be prepared to submit multiple framed, ready-to-hang paintings. The number and size of paintings accommodated may vary depending on the number of participating artists and available exhibition space. A range of price points may also be encouraged. Final requirements, including the number of paintings, size limitations, and pricing considerations, will be determined and announced to accepted artists. All final paintings must be framed with a wire for hanging. The exhibit and sale will open with a reception on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Ker Place in Onancock, VA. Artists are expected to attend the exhibit opening on November 12th. Artists are responsible for picking up any unsold paintings on Monday, November 16th.
Awards
Cash awards will be given for “People’s Choice” and “Artist’s Choice” at the close of the reception.
Paint for a Cause
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 in 2003. Because of strong community support, VES Land Trust and private landowners protect and steward 14,860 acres on 87 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.