One of Plein Air Easton’s most anticipated events, the Collectors’ Preview Party returns Friday, July 18 at 5:30 PM to the Academy Art Museum—and it may just be the most thrilling evening of the week. After seven days of open-air painting, this exclusive celebration unveils two signature works from every competition artist, elegantly presented in the museum’s newly reimagined exhibit layout. Then, stroll across the street to Plein Air Easton Headquarters for the dramatic reveal of this year’s awards presentation, including the Timothy Dills Memorial Grand Prize Award presented by this year’s esteemed judge, Peter Trippi. Tickets for the Collector’s Preview Party are $250 and include full credit toward the purchase of a painting.

The exhibit is also open to the public, free of charge, on Saturday, July 19 (10–4) and Sunday, July 20 (10–3). Plein Air Easton is the nation’s largest outdoor art competition and is made possible by the Avalon Foundation, Friends of Plein Air(corporate and private sponsors), community partners like the Academy Art Museum, and hundreds of community volunteers. A full calendar of exhibits, sales, and art demonstrations, happening July 11-20 (most of which are free and open to the public), can be found at PleinAirEaston.com