Seaview Plein Air Invitational

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Seaview Resort • Galloway, New Jersey

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.

Artist Information

All participating artists will receive a welcome packet with a campus map, local dining guide, and hotel information. Staging areas will be clearly marked, and staff will be available throughout the day to assist.

The Seaview Plein Air Invitational is more than an art event—it’s a fast-paced creative challenge, a celebration of our region’s beauty, and an investment in the next generation of artists. We invite you to be a part of it.

For more information: https://www.abseconarts.com/2025seaviewpleinair

The ACAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. All proceeds go towards helping the ACAA fund art related events and education in the Absecon Area.