The Seaview Plein Air Invitational offers a fresh take on the traditional plein air experience—faster, more focused, and more thrilling. Unlike festivals that stretch on for days, this is a high-energy, one-day competition where selected artists have just four hours to complete a finished piece of artwork on-site. The compressed timeline heightens the creative stakes, pushing even seasoned plein air painters to trust their instincts, respond quickly to light and atmosphere, and work with speed and intention.
Each participating artist will be assigned a specific location on the historic grounds of Seaview—from fairways and gardens to wooded trails—ensuring a wide variety of scenery while leveling the playing field. Every brushstroke counts. There’s no time for second-guessing and no do-overs. It’s a raw, immersive challenge that captures the urgency and magic of creating in the moment. For artists, it’s an adrenaline-fueled sprint with prizes and gallery recognition on the line. For guests, it’s a rare chance to watch the creative process unfold in real time.
The event will feature talented regional artists capturing the beauty of Seaview through painting and drawing, all created live and outdoors. Proceeds benefit the Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance, as well as scholarship programs for student artists at Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC).
A limited number of spots are available, with two complimentary positions reserved—one for a Stockton student and one for an ACCC student. All works must be created in plein air using traditional drawing or painting media (no photography). A diverse panel of judges, including regional art professionals and a celebrity guest, will evaluate the completed pieces. The top twelve works will be exhibited in rotation at the Seaview Gallery.
Event Schedule:
8:30 AM – Artist check-in and canvas stamping
9:30 AM – Painting begins
2:30 PM – Artwork submission deadline and public exhibit opens
3:30 PM – Awards reception with food and live music
5:00 PM – Event closes; artists retrieve or display their work
Awards & Recognition
Best of Show – $1,000
Second Place – $750
Third Place – $500
Honorable Mention – $100
Noyes Collection Purchase Award – $1,000
Seaview Prize – Overnight stay at Seaview with breakfast
Gallery Feature – Top 12 works displayed in the Seaview Gallery
How to Apply:
Artists must register by October 1, 2025. To apply, please email 2–3 recent images of your artwork (at least one landscape) along with a headshot to abseconarts@gmail.com. Only one entry per artist is allowed. Images should be submitted in JPEG format, between 800KB and 5MB.
