National Artist Paint In Our Neighborhood
Plein Air-Smokies Quick Draw Competition
Saturday, September 27
Sequoyah Hills Park @ the Vance-Link Ballfields
1100 Cherokee Blvd.
To cap off a glorious week of painting in and around Townsend and the Great Smoky Mountains, over 50 artists will be painting the morning of September 27 in OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. The artist will arrive beginning at 7:00 am and head out to paint anywhere along Cherokee Boulevard and The Neighborhood. In this fun, fast-paced challenge, artists of all levels create paintings on the spot, capturing the light, color, and spirit of the day.
The artist will return to the fountain area at Vance-Link Ballparks at 11:30 a.m. for judging and awards. The winner of this Quick-Draw Competition will receive $500 and an invitation to next year’s prestigious PLEIN AIR-SMOKIES event. Beginning at 12:00 p.m., all artwork will be on display and available for sale.
All proceeds benefit Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, a nonprofit environmental education center that provides hands-on experiences for people of all ages to connect with nature in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Open Division Prizes:
1st: $500 and an invitation to return as a featured artist at 2026 PLEIN AIR-Smokies.
2nd: $300. 3rd: $200.
Quick Draw at a Glance
Starting at 7:00 a.m., Artists check in between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., get their canvases stamped, and begin painting.
11:00 am – Painting stops. Artists return finished pieces to the judge’s tent by 11:30 am.
12:00 pm – Cash prizes awarded; paintings on display for public viewing and sales
Pick up Your Pre-Ordered Frog Ornament, Sept. 27 @ PLEIN AIR @ 11:30 am-1:00 pm
If no pre-order? There are still a few available for purchase, $83, includes TN sales tax.
Learn all about the Institute at Tremont
SEE ALL PLEIN AIR ARTWORK FROM A WEEK OF ON-SITE PAINTING
Friday, September 26 (the evening before our painting event)
After painting in and around the Smoky Mountains, Plein Air Smokies will celebrate the artist and artwork at The District Gallery & Framing, 5113 Kingston Pike. Join Tremont Institute for an exclusive evening celebrating the artist and our surrounding natural beauty at the Collector’s Celebration — the first opportunity to view and purchase the stunning original works created throughout the week.
This is your chance to meet the Featured Artists, hear the stories behind the paintings, and acquire one-of-a-kind pieces. Paintings span scenes from across Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beyond, capturing fleeting moments of light, color, and landscape in the artists’ distinctive styles.
Enjoy an elegant evening of fine art, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks, and celebrate with us as we announce the artist awards at 7:30pm. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love beautiful artwork inspired by the Smokies, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
No cost to attend — arrive early for the best selection. Paintings will remain on display and available for purchase through Saturday, September 27, at 4pm.
The District Gallery & Framery
5113 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
Friday, September 26, 2025
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
