9th Annual Harford Plein Air Festival Offers Activities Sept. 15-17

BEL AIR, MD — Maryland Center for the Arts’ 9th Annual Harford Plein Air Festival continues this weekend with several events taking place in downtown Bel Air. The festivities kick off on Friday night with the opening reception of the Harford Plein Air Festival gallery at the Bel Air Armory from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The event will feature an awards ceremony for competing artists, food vendors and a performance by members of the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra. The reception also serves as the unofficial start of Arts Across Harford, a county-wide initiative aimed at shining a light on the vibrant arts scene in Harford County.

On Saturday morning, the Festival’s Quick Draw Competition runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon with both juried and community artists slated to participate. The competition requires artists to complete their paintings in a two-hour time period, followed by judging, awards and sales. Artist categories include juried artists in this year’s main Plein Air Festival, adult community artists over the age of 18 and students under the age of 18.

The gallery exhibit inside the Armory will be open to the public on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.