The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust is accepting artist submissions for Paint for Preservation 2024, the organization’s 17th annual juried auction and one of Maine’s premier art auction events.

Over three days on the weekend of June 21-23, selected artists will paint en plein air (outdoors) at designated public and private locations chosen to highlight Cape Elizabeth’s natural beauty. All work must be done on location; no studio work is allowed. The public is welcome and encouraged to tour the public sites to watch the artists at work throughout the weekend.

On Sunday, June 23, the newly painted artwork will be auctioned live at a tented reception at a seaside location in Cape Elizabeth. Each year, this event attracts over 400 people and raises funds for the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust. Proceeds from the auction are shared with participating artists and benefit CELT’s conservation of the shore lands, marshes, farmlands and woodlands that provide scenic beauty, recreational trails and important wildlife habitat in Cape Elizabeth.

In the interest of attracting a wider pool of applicants and increasing participation in the event, CELT has decided to waive its traditional application entry fee, thanks to the support of an anonymous donor.

The deadline for artists’ submissions is Friday, March 1.

Interested plein air artists are invited to submit three images of recent original plein-air paintings in any medium for juried consideration. Detailed application instructions regarding submission requirements may be obtained at capelandtrust.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!