During this month-long Plein Air experience, artists of all age and experience levels are invited to draw inspiration and create art from the beauty of Howard County's blossoming Kwanzan cherry, Native Dogwood and redbud trees. These pink and white flowering trees were planted by Blossoms of Hope, a local nonprofit, over the last 20 years to enhance our quality of life through beautification projects and by supporting our community. Groves of trees are located along our state and county roadways, in parks, at local libraries, as well as at private and government buildings. Many of these trees have been planted in honor and in memory of people's loved ones.

The Plein Air to Prepare event is to be the inspiration for TWO future Blossoms Art Shows:

• Blossoms 2024 Plein Air to Prepare Exhibit: May 2024, located at The Howard County Welcome Center and
• Blossoms 2025 Countywide Art Show: March 2025, located at 25+ community and private galleries (CaFÉ call to be announced in fall 2024)

Upon registration for the Plein Air event, you will receive:

• A site map of all the pink and white flowering tree groves in Howard County
• Entry for the Plein Air exhibit
• A variety of 1-hour art classes in the groves, put on by local artists (schedule will be sent out by email in the beginning of April 2024)
• An invitation to the juried Plein Air Exhibit
• A $5 off coupon for the Blossoms 2025 Countywide Art Show in March 2025

There are student scholarships available--the first 100 students to apply will participate for free. After the first 100, students will receive a 10% discount. Please contact us at info@blossomsofhope.org to receive your scholarship code.

If you have questions, contact us at:

• Email address: info@blossomsofhope.org
• Phone number: 443-538-0858
• Website: blossomsofhope.org

Application Requirements

This registration is required for application into the Blossoms 2024 Plein Air Exhibit on May 18, 2024. Registration for the exhibit is a separate call, to which you will be invited in April-May 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

The submission is open to all visual artists creating original artworks in 2-dimensional media. The exhibit will be limited to 50 pieces in 2-dimensional art. The plein air and exhibit are in preparation for the Blossoms Countywide Show in May 2025 (click here for more information).

Must be Maryland residents to take part in the event. If an applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must fill out this application for them.

P.S.: Art featured in the exhibit will have dimension limits due to space constraints--see Blossoms website for information on the exhibit.