AOY Art Center is delighted to announce the opening of its highly anticipated 2026 Plein Air Open Exhibition, on view beginning Saturday, May 16 from 12 – 5 PM, and continuing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through June 7. The exhibition showcases more than 120 original works created by approximately 60 artists from across Bucks County and within a 35-mile radius of Yardley.
Over the past two weeks, these artists have been “painting the towns,” setting up their easels throughout the Delaware Valley to capture the beauty and character of beloved local places—from Tyler State Park and Lake Afton to Washington Crossing State Park, like the painting shown by Aida Birritteri, Yardley Borough, Historic Fallsington, and beyond. There is something uniquely powerful about seeing your own community reflected through an artist’s eye. Visitors are often drawn not just to the beauty of the work, but to the familiarity of the scenes—a favorite walking path, a historic street corner, a quiet stretch of river. These paintings transform everyday places into something timeless, inviting viewers to pause and see their surroundings with fresh appreciation. It’s this sense of recognition and connection that makes plein air exhibitions especially meaningful and widely loved.
Plein air painting, a French term meaning “in the open air,” emphasizes direct observation and immediacy, capturing fleeting light, atmosphere, and mood. The resulting works reflect a wide range of styles while sharing a common thread: a deep engagement with the local landscape.
The awards will be judged by acclaimed Philadelphia area plein air artist Charles Newman. All works will be available for purchase both in the gallery and online at aoyarts.org.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience this vibrant celebration of art and community at the AOY Art Center, located at 949 Mirror Lake Road in Lower Makefield.
