Gregory J. Nowak Memorial Plein Air Competition seal overlaid on an original acrylic painting titled "Unloved but maybe…" by Joselyn Ney. The painting depicts a weathered, rustic barn on a grassy hill under a pale sky filled with colorful floating balloons.

Plein Air 2026

13^th Annual Gregory J. Nowak Memorial

Plein Air Competition

Saturday, May 16 | Beginning at 8:30am

Capture the vibrant landscapes of our community using any physical medium (digital entries are not currently eligible). Participants are welcome to set up their easels anywhere throughout Whitemarsh, the Borough of Conshohocken, or right here on the Art Center’s grounds at Cedar Grove Park. Artists are also encouraged to find inspiration at historic Abolition Hall. We look forward to seeing your unique creative interpretation of the local sites where you find your inspiration.

Competition Details

After completing check-in, artists may begin painting at their chosen location. All works must be completed within the designated boundaries of the competition, including Whitemarsh, Conshoshcken, Plymouth and Ft. Washington. Then return your painting(s) to the Art Center for judging by 5pm. Please ensure your canvases are stamped at check-in to be eligible for prizes.

Schedule:

8:30 – 10am | Get your canvas Stamped at Whitemarsh Art Center
5:00pm | Submissions are due
5 – 6:00 | Refreshments and light snacks will be served. Open to the Public
6 – 6:30 | Public display and peer review for Artist's Choice
6:30 – 7 | Awards Ceremony

Saturday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | May 16

Details: Attention all Artists and Artists in the Making! Enter Whitemarsh Art Center's 11th Plein Air Judged event with nearly $700 in prizes. After check-in is complete, artists are welcome to create their works at locations in Whitemarsh, Plymouth Meeting or Conshohocken. Children under 16 years of age enter free.

No Class:

Course Price: $35.00

Juror: Judy Callas

Judy is a Philadelphia-based teaching artist and multi-media creator best known for her non-objective paintings and found-object assemblages. A graduate of Millersville and Stanford University, Judy has influenced the local art scene through her work with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and the Woodmere Art Museum. Her practice explores the intersection of nature and human expression, a core belief that has inspired students and fellow artists in the region for over two decades.

Over ^$700 in Awards:

^$300 first prize, ^$150 second prize, ^$75 third prize
^$75 Artists' Choice | ^$50 Gift Card for the Children's Prize
Gift certificates will be awarded for honorable mentions

Thank you to our Sponsors

Memorial Sponsor: The Nowak Family

A photo of Gregory J. Nowak, an attorney and donor to the Whitemarsh Art Center. The image is surrounded by a ring with text reading: "Gregory J. Nowak Memorial Plein Air Competition." The entire design is presented in a circular stamp format and has the appearance of a physical seal.

We are extremely grateful to the Nowak Family for their continued sponsorship of the Whitemarsh Art Center and the Gregory J. Nowak Memorial Plein Air Competition.

The Staib Family
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Staib family for their ongoing generosity and personal dedication to the Whitemarsh Art Center. Their commitment ensures that community traditions like the Plein Air competition continue to flourish.

Become a Sponsor

Branding Assets: To ensure inclusion in printed materials, please upload your high-resolution logo via the form no later than May 4^th.

Corporate Banners: Banners are provided by the sponsor. We recommend high-quality vinyl with grommets (suggested size 3' x 6'). Banners must be delivered to the Art Center by May 4^th.

In-Kind Donations: We gratefully accept prizes, goods, or services. Please select the "In-Kind" option on the form to provide details.

Support the Arts

Become a vital part of our creative legacy. We invite local businesses and individuals to partner with us in celebrating regional talent. Become a sponsor today!

Sponsorship Tiers & Benefits

Platinum Partner | $1,000+

The Premier Legacy Tier

Title Recognition: Premiere logo placement on the website, event landing page, and all printed promotional materials.
Award Naming Rights: Opportunity to name and personally present a featured prize (e.g., “The [Sponsor Name] Award for Best in Show”).
On-Site Visibility: Prime placement of your corporate banner (provided by sponsor) at event headquarters.
Legacy Support: Primary recognition as a lead contributor to the Gregory J. Nowak Memorial Fund.

Gold Sponsor | $500 – $900

The Artist Advocate Tier

Premier Recognition: Prominent logo placement on the event website and printed competition programs.
Physical Presence: Display of your corporate banner (provided by sponsor) at the event reception.
Digital Footprint: Active link to your business website from the official Plein Air landing page.
Community Impact: Essential support for the regional artist prize purse.

Silver Sponsor | $250 – $400

The Community Supporter Tier

Digital Branding: Corporate logo and link featured on the Whitemarsh Art Center website.
Print Recognition: Name recognition (text) in the official event program.
On-Site Display: Display of your corporate banner (provided by sponsor) at the competition grounds.
Public Appreciation: Listed as a key supporter of the 13th Annual Gregory J. Nowak Memorial event.

Bronze Sponsor | $100 – $200

The Friend of the Arts Tier

Name Recognition: Listed as a donor by name (text) on the event website and in the printed competition program.
On-Site Visibility: Inclusion of your corporate banner (provided by sponsor) on our community support wall.
Direct Contribution: Essential funding to keep this memorial event open and free to the public.

Become a SPONSOR