Registration has reached capacity!

The Hyde Collection is proud to announce the First Annual Glens Falls Plein Air Festival, a vibrant week-long celebration of outdoor painting to be held July 27 through August 2, 2026, in Glens Falls, New York. Set in the heart of “Hometown USA,” the festival will showcase the natural beauty, historic charm, and distinct character of the Glens Falls region—framed by the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondack Mountains. Throughout the week, participating artists will paint en plein air (outside, on location), capturing Glens Falls’ scenic streets, parks, architecture, and surrounding vistas. Community members and visitors are invited to witness the creative process firsthand as artists work outdoors in real time, transforming everyday views into original works of art. Finished artwork created during the event will be displayed in a special weekend exhibition, offering the public a unique opportunity to view and purchase freshly created local landscapes. The festival will include a variety of public-facing events, including an opening on Friday, July 31st, and a culminating Quick Draw competition held during The Hyde Collection’s Community Day, on Sunday, August 2nd, marking the final day of the festival and corresponding exhibition. 

INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS:  

Registration and Eligibility: Registration is online (link below) and is open to all plein air painters, 18 years and older.  Registration is open from March 1 to April 1.  

 Fees: Registration is $40 and must be accompanied by the submission of 2-3 images, all plein air paintings, cropped, no frames. Be sure to follow the requirements in the registration form. 

Sales:   

All sales will be handled by the artists themselves. A 35% suggested donation to The Hyde Collection is encouraged for all sales, with the exception of the Silent Auction. Participating artists will be asked to donate a small, unframed painting for the auction and may choose to receive 50% of the final high bid, or donate 100% of the proceeds. Artists who sell “off the easel” are requested to submit their 35% donation via cash, check, or card to The Hyde Collection. Checks to artists for split of the silent auction will be remitted within 2 weeks after the conclusion of the exhibition/festival.  

 Lodging/Transportation: Lodging and transportation is the responsibility of the artist. A list of hotels will be shared with accepted artists.   

 Timeline of Events   

March 1: Registration opens, please use this link to register.   

Apr 1: Registration closes   

April 20: Notifications sent out that week   

May 1: Deadline to accept   

July 27: Artist Check-in 10am-12pm; Meet the Artists Reception 7-9pm 

July 28: Paint the Lake Day 

July 29: Paint along the Warren County Bike Path; Paint the Town @ Take a Bite in downtown Glens Falls 

July 30: Paint The Hyde Collection gardens and grounds; Thursday Market & Food Corral @ The Shirt Factory 

July 31: Artists drop off framed and wired, ready to hang, artworks to The Hyde Collection between 10:00am-12:00 pm; Opening reception 5:30-8pm 

Aug 1: 2026 First Annual Glens Falls Plein Air Festival Exhibition open to the public 

Aug 2: Community Day at The Hyde Collection 10am-5pm; Quick Draw competition on Hyde Collection grounds 

Aug 3: Artist artwork pick up