The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center will be hosting its first annual “Easels in Frederick”, a “plein air” painting festival and competition, on June 22—26, 2011. The event will take place in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland. Over 30 juried artists will take to the streets over the four day period and create plein air paintings which collectors can purchase at the end of the event. Everyone is encouraged to join the festivities and visit the downtown area during the event to watch as these works of art are created as well as take in all that Frederick has to offer.

“Frederick has a dynamic art scene, and the arts are known for adding positive economic benefits to communities. Events like Easels in Frederick allow us to promote and share the town’s arts environment. We are thrilled to be able to hold an event like this to enable people to appreciate the artwork that these artists work so passionately to create and showcase Frederick as a whole, as well as the creative community that we are so proud of,” said Catherine Moreland, the executive director of The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center.

The Delaplaine will have an information booth set up with maps of the area with artists’ locations as well as schedule of events brochures. Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape, a PBS program featuring artist Kenn Errol Backus, will be shown throughout the week at the Center. Parking is located on the deck next to the Delaplaine.

To conclude the Easels in Frederick event, a ticketed Collectors Preview Reception and Juror's Talk will be held at The Delaplaine on Sunday, June 26, 2011 from 1 - 3 p.m. Reception attendees will be among the first to view and have the opportunity to purchase the paintings created during the competition. Ticket purchases will go towards the purchase of a painting. Come and enjoy champagne, wine and canapés and have a chance to speak with the plein air artists. This is the only time that these paintings will be on exhibit and showcased together. A public reception will follow from 3 – 6 p.m. At this reception, the general public will be given the opportunity to view and purchase paintings, as well as cast their vote for the $1,500 People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at 5:30 p.m.

For more information about Easels in Frederick and how to purchase your tickets for the Collectors Preview Reception and Juror’s Talk, visit the event’s website at www.easelsinfrederick.org/collectorspreview or call The Delaplaine at 301-689-0656.