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Paint the Town – Alpharetta Plein Air

May 9-13, 2023
Alpharetta

Arts Alpharetta, in partnership with the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, welcomes the 3rd annual PAINT THE TOWN 5-day juried plein air invitational.

Plein air, from the French term en plein air, is the method of painting outdoors directly from life. It has become a wildly popular practice with artists across the world and this event is the first of its kind in Alpharetta.

Art lovers will have the chance to watch artists in action around our fair city with opportunities to purchase original art with hometown appeal, featuring locations such as Alpharetta City Center, parks, gardens and more.

For more information and updates, please visit Arts Alpharetta


2023 Schedule of Events

Deadline for Artist Event Application
Registration March 10 – April 30

Plein Air Workshops
Plein Air Painting in Watercolor with Kathy Rennell Forbes (Activity #30539)
Friday, May 5 – 9am – 4pm
Learn how to quickly find a location and set-up your plein air watercolor supplies. Kathy will share her thoughts and experiences with a live demo during the morning. We will break for lunch; afterwards you will sketch and paint. Kathy will offer individual assistance as needed and requested. Focus will be on finding the spot, creating thumbnails and painting a watercolor in plein air on the beautiful grounds of the Alpharetta Arts Center.
Register here

Plein Air Workshop with Brenda Pinnick (Activity # 30541)
Monday, May 8 – 9am – 4pm
A one-day plein air workshop begun with a demo by instructor in the morning then student painting in the afternoon. Instructor will focus on beginning with a strong design, maintaining a value structure to create a strong sense of time and place. Participants will also discuss personal color choices and how to use them in creative expression and finish with an optional critique. To register, click the button below.
Register here

5-Day Plein Air Invitational
May 9-13, 2023
Various locations throughout Downtown Alpharetta.

Wet Paint Tent Sale
Downtown Alpharetta during Taste of Alpharetta, May 11
Small studies of Alpharetta views will be available for purchase.

Quick Draw Competition
Various locations around City Center and along the Alpha Loop

Quick Draw Awards Presentation
Friday, May 12 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
Awards ceremony at 7:30pm in City Center (exact location TBD)

Artists Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Reception
Alpharetta Arts Center
238 Canton St, Alpharetta
Saturday, May 13 from 5pm – 7pm.
Paint the Town Sponsors, partners, and special guests preview and first sale option by invitation only 4-5pm

Plein Air Exhibition at the Alpharetta Arts Center
May 13 – June 10
Many works will be for sale during the Arts Center Hours of Operation:
Monday–Thursday: 8:30am – 8pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday: 10am – 4pm


Hotel Information

Comfort Inn Alpharetta-Atlanta North
5455 Windward Pkwy West
Alpharetta, 30004
470-273-6604
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Doubletree Atlanta Alpharetta Windward
2925 Jordan Court
Alpharetta, 30004
678-347-0022
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Hampton Inn & Suites Alpharetta/Roswell
10740 Westside Way
Alpharetta, 30009
770-640-5511
Call Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Hilton Alpharetta Atlanta
5775 Windward Pkwy.
Alpharetta, GA 30005
678-240-9222
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta North/Alpharetta
4025 Windward Plaza
Alpharetta, 30005
770-360-7766
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Home2 Suites by Hilton Alpharetta
12075 Morris Road
Alpharetta, 30004
470-479-6699
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Homewood Suites by Hilton
10775 Davis Drive
Alpharetta, 30009
770-998-1622
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta Alpharetta North Point Mall
1325 North Point Drive
Alpharetta, 30022
770-587-1151
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate

TownePlace Suites Atlanta Alpharetta
7925 Westside Parkway
Alpharetta,30009
770-664-1300
Call hotel directly and ask for Plein Air Rate