Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival

Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival Capturing scenic beauty on the spot. What is Plein Air Painting?
“En plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air”.

Nestled on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world creating unique and ever-changing shoreline scenery, Parrsboro has become home to Canada’s largest Plein Air Festival each June. Nestled on Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world creating unique and ever-changing shoreline scenery, Parrsboro has become home to Canada’s largest Plein Air Festival. S

ince 2017, Parrsboro Creative has organized the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival, drawing 30 juried artists annually from across North America to compete in painting the picturesque sea and landscapes the Parrsboro Shore has to offer. It’s part of Parrsboro Creative’s vision of developing the area’s cultural economy through the creation and enhancement of a community or artists and artisans that will rejuvenate the community, once a thriving shipbuilding area. Of course, the festival would not be possible without the support of sponsors ranging from government to private enterprise. Its success has been chronicled in media across North America, reaching thousands of artists, art galleries and art collectors’ organizations across the continent. After a shift in 2020 to an online-only event, and Atlantic-only in 2021 due to COVID-19, PIPAF will be returning to an international model in 2022! It describes the art of outdoor painting, using specific skills to capture landscapes and views in natural light. Plein Air painting requires adaptability to a changing environment and speed in applying painting techniques. Plein air events have a dedicated following among artists who appreciate going to new locations and being challenged by the work of other artists on location. https://www.parrsborocreative.com/pipaf

We’re pleased to welcome back Michel Doucet of Weymouth, Nova Scotia to PIPAF 2026. Michel brings a range of plein air a...
05/28/2026

We’re pleased to welcome back Michel Doucet of Weymouth, Nova Scotia to PIPAF 2026.

Michel brings a range of plein air and exhibition experience, including receiving the Best Oil award at the 2025 Parrsboro Plein Air Festival and an Honourable Mention in the Cape Ann Quick Draw event. He has also participated in the Acadian Quick Draw exhibition in Shediac, New Brunswick, and has been involved in an international artist exchange group with artists from the United States in Russia.

A sincere thank you to Smith’s Funeral Home for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a sponsor. ...
05/27/2026

A sincere thank you to Smith’s Funeral Home for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a sponsor.

A long-standing family-operated business serving Parrsboro and surrounding communities for generations, your commitment to caring for our community reflects the spirit that helps make PIPAF possible. We’re grateful for your support!

A heartfelt thank you to Gillespie House Inn for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued s...
05/26/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Gillespie House Inn for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Known for its historic charm, beautiful gardens, and warm hospitality in the heart of Parrsboro, we’re grateful for your support in helping create an unforgettable festival experience for artists and visitors alike.

Join us for a fun evening at the PIPAF 2026 Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 20th at 7:00 PM, featuring snacks, refresh...
05/26/2026

Join us for a fun evening at the PIPAF 2026 Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 20th at 7:00 PM, featuring snacks, refreshments, beautiful artwork, and a celebration of artistic excellence.

Be among the first to view the incredible artwork created during PIPAF week and get the first opportunity to purchase your favourite piece. Plus, the cost of your Awards Ceremony ticket can be credited toward a painting purchase.

Get your tickets now at pipaf.ca

We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie Mueller of Durham, New Hampshire to PIPAF 2026. An accomplished painter with a remarkab...
05/25/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Debbie Mueller of Durham, New Hampshire to PIPAF 2026.

An accomplished painter with a remarkable list of achievements, Debbie earned Best in Show, People’s Choice Award, and an Honourable Mention at the 2020 Parrsboro Plein Air Festival. More recently, she received Best in Show at the 2023 Art2Life International Exhibition, was recognized among Artists Magazine’s Top 10 Artists Over 60 in 2025, and became a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America that same year.

Learn more at www.debbiemuellerart.com

We’re excited to welcome Mary Martin of Dunham, Quebec to PIPAF 2026. An award-winning artist with a strong history of r...
05/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome Mary Martin of Dunham, Quebec to PIPAF 2026.

An award-winning artist with a strong history of recognition, Mary was the recipient of Best Seascape at PIPAF 2025 and received the Alden Bryan Memorial Award for Best in Show in Jeffersonville, Vermont in 2018. She is also the recipient of Le Prix SCA from the Société canadienne de l’Aquarelle in 2013 and earned the Line Boisvert Prize for Luminosity in both 2008 and 2013 at the SCA Salon.

Learn more at http://www.msmartin.com

A warm thank you to The Sunshine Inn for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!K...
05/23/2026

A warm thank you to The Sunshine Inn for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Known as a welcoming “home away from home” just outside Parrsboro, your hospitality helps create memorable experiences for visitors discovering our community and for our wonderful artists staying with you! Thank you for helping make PIPAF possible!

A huge thank you to the Parrsboro Co-op for being a major sponsor of the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival! As ...
05/22/2026

A huge thank you to the Parrsboro Co-op for being a major sponsor of the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival!

As a long-standing part of our community, your support helps create an incredible experience for artists and visitors alike. We’re grateful to have you as a key part of this year’s festival!

We’re delighted to welcome Elizabeth Whelan of Middle LaHave, Nova Scotia to PIPAF 2026. An elected member of the Societ...
05/21/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Elizabeth Whelan of Middle LaHave, Nova Scotia to PIPAF 2026.

An elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, Elizabeth brings years of experience and a deep connection to storytelling through art. For the past 15 years, she has painted commissioned portraits, capturing the stories and personalities of people from all walks of life. A participant in PIPAF 2025, Elizabeth continues to draw inspiration from the people and landscapes of Canada, with a special connection to the Atlantic provinces.

Learn more at http://www.elizabethwhelan.com

Join us in welcoming Marita Hines of Marietta, Pennsylvania to PIPAF 2026. An accomplished artist and community builder,...
05/20/2026

Join us in welcoming Marita Hines of Marietta, Pennsylvania to PIPAF 2026.

An accomplished artist and community builder, Marita has been juried into Art of the State at the State Museum of Pennsylvania and received Best Plein Air Watercolour/Gouache in the July 2022 Plein Air Salon. She was also awarded the Mildred Sands Knuts Traditional Watercolor Award at the Philadelphia Watercolor Society’s International Exhibition in 2020.

Beyond her artistic practice, Marita is Co-Founder of Marietta Art Alive, a nonprofit organization bringing art to communities along the Susquehanna River.

Learn more at https://www.maritahines.com

A big thank you to Beach House on Hatfield Road for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a value...
05/19/2026

A big thank you to Beach House on Hatfield Road for supporting the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival as a valued sponsor!

Offering a beautiful coastal getaway experience right here in Parrsboro, we’re proud to have your support as part of this year’s festival. Thank you for helping make PIPAF possible!

Address

Parrsboro, NS

Telephone

9027282007

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival:

Share