6th Annual Ogunquit Perkins Cove Plein Air

 
Ogunquit, Maine, August 2026 – The Town of Ogunquit’s Parks and Recreation committee is proud to present one of Maine’s premier cultural happenings for its exciting 6th year. Ogunquit's Perkins Cove Plein Air Painting Event returns on Saturday, September 12th, 2026. (The rain date is Sunday, September 13th.)

More than one hundred (100) professional and amateur plein air painters will gather to capture the rugged coastal beauty of Perkins Cove and Ogunquit, our “Beautiful Place by the Sea.” Part of Perkins Cove and Ogunquit’s colorful history are the countless plein air painters who have, for more than a century, chosen spots throughout the landmark cove and along Ogunquit’s famed Marginal Way to capture the quintessential beauty of the Ogunquit, Maine coast.

Plein Air painting-painting outdoors-is a time-honored tradition for many artists. In Ogunquit and Perkins Cove, past and present artists make up what is collectively known as The Ogunquit Art Colony. For more than a century Perkins Cove and Ogunquit have welcomed thousands of both luminary and local artists; drawing, painting, sketching, and photographing the picturesque vistas including the rocky coastline, tidal river, Ogunquit Beach, and The Marginal Way, along with Perkins Cove’s harbor and famed foot drawbridge.

Perkins Cove, “The Cove,” will again serve as the headquarters for the 6th annual plein air event. Hailed as the “largest one-day plein air event in New England,” Ogunquit-Perkins Cove Plein Air Art Event draws thousands of first-time and repeat art-loving visitors each year.

The event’s schedule begins with plein air painting from 8am to 1pm throughout Ogunquit, along The Marginal Way, and in and around The Cove. Judging begins at 1pm in Perkins Cove with awards in both the professional and amateur categories. After the judging and awards presentation, the day culminates with a popular Wet Paint Sale offering the chance to take home a fresh-off-the-easel painting. Live music in Perkins Cove adds to the festive energy of the dayand includes performances by Beau Dalleo from 10am-1pm, and Lisa Mills and The Ocean Ave Band from 1pm-4pm.

Esteemed judges for the event are Lyn Asselta for the professional painters’ category and Jonathan McPhillips for the amateur painters’ category. Lyn Asselta’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and have been included in invitational exhibitions in France, China, and the UK. As a workshop instructor, she has taught in Canada, Curaçao and extensively across the USA. Jonathan McPhillips artistry has garnered recognition on both national and international levels. His work has been showcased in various U.S. embassies through the "Art in Embassies" program by the U.S. Department of State. Recent accolades showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. A few recognitions include the Wayne Plein Air 2025 "First Place Award", 2023 Cape Ann Plein Air "Best Seascape" Award, and the American Impressionist Society National Juried 2nd Place Award in 2023.

For more information visit: OgunquitPerkinsCovePleinAir.com.