Port Royal Plein Air Festival October 10-12, 2025

Introducing the Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Festival!
Join us October 10-12, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of art, community, and the beauty of the Lowcountry. Enjoy artist demos, community paint-outs, and more—explore all the details below!

Steve Hessler, Plein Air Artist / Floyd, VA

Call For entries

Thank you for your interest in participating in the inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Festival, hosted by Windhorse Gallery. This exciting event welcomes both nationally recognized and emerging artists to apply, with 15 artists selected to participate.

  • Open to artists 18 and older from the United States.

  • Submissions will be juried by the selection committee, and acceptance notifications will be sent on June 15, 2025.

  • $25 application fee

  • Online applications are accepted and must be completed and submitted with payment by midnight, June 1, 2025.  Artists may submit ONE application.

  • Artists will be given suggested locations to paint Saturday and Sunday, October 11 & 12th.

  • ‘Wet Paint’ Reception to be held Sunday, October 12th

Schedule of events

The Port Royal Plein Air Festival will kick off on October 10, 2025, with a Reception to welcome the 15 juried artists who have traveled to Port Royal, SC, to capture the exceptional beauty of the Lowcountry.

Artists will be given suggested locations to paint, and guests are encouraged to visit them on location during the day Saturday and Sunday, October 11 & 12th.

The event offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work created during these two days at the ‘Wet Paint Party’, which will be held on Sunday, October 12th. This event is open for all to attend!

Host a Visiting Artist

Support a Visiting Artist for the Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Festival

Thank you for your interest in supporting the inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Festival, hosted by Windhorse Gallery. This exciting event will welcome local, regional, and nationally recognized artists to our community.

For those artists traveling from out of town, we would love to help alleviate the stress and financial burden of accommodations.

Host a Visiting Artist! Do you have a guest room or guest house available? These talented artists would be thrilled to stay with you during the festival. If hosting isn’t an option, you can also contribute towards their accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay.

Your support makes a difference in helping us create a memorable experience for both the artists and our community.

Sponsorship opportunities

Support the Inaugural Port Royal Plein Air Invitational
A Celebration of Art, Community & the Lowcountry Landscape

As a valued local business, like-minded organization, or community member, we invite you to become a sponsor and help us bring this inspiring event to life. Your support directly helps us promote arts and culture in Port Royal, provide artist stipends, fund community engagement, and build a lasting cultural tradition.

Sponsorship Levels

1. Horizon Sponsor – $5,000+
Our premier sponsorship level — ideal for organizations wanting full visibility throughout the event.
Includes:

  • Title placement on all event materials & signage

  • Premium logo placement on website, posters & social media

  • Opportunity to speak or be recognized at the Opening Reception

  • Inclusion in press materials & newsletters

  • Dedicated social media feature

  • VIP tickets to Wet Paint Show & Sale

2. Light & Landscape Sponsor – $2,500
Inspired by the plein air tradition of capturing fleeting moments in nature.
Includes:

  • Logo placement on event materials, signage & social media

  • Recognition on website & printed program

  • Tickets to Wet Paint Show & Sale

  • Sponsor thank-you in post-event recap

3. Open Air Advocate – $1,000
Support meaningful cultural programming in the Lowcountry.
Includes:

  • Name or logo recognition on select materials

  • Social media shoutout

  • Tickets to Wet Paint Show & Sale

4. Brushstroke Supporter – $500
A great way for small businesses and individuals to get involved!
Includes:

  • Name listed on printed program and event thank-you signage

  • Social media thank-you