The 6th Annual Plein Air Festival is back!
Head to Lee’s Summit, Missouri this spring for four days of painting “en plein air”.
Experience and capture the history and story of a small Missouri town on the eve of the Civil War. This museum has more than 25 historically preserved buildings dating from 1822-1860 spread across nearly 30 picturesque acres, along with historic tools and furnishings.
New Longview is built upon the site of the historic Longview Farm and was owned by lumber-baron and notable Kansas Citian R.A. Long. Originally constructed in 1914, Longview Farm featured an indoor show-horse arena, a racetrack, multiple types of award-winning livestock, and over 50 distinctive stucco and red-tile roofed buildings. While most have been lost to time or progress, several buildings from the original Longview Farm remain and are now nestled into the fabric of New Longview.
Powell Gardens, Kansas City's Botanical Garden, is a 970-acre botanical garden in Kingsville, Missouri, 20 miles east of Lee’s Summit. It features 6,000 varieties of plants, with 225,000 plants in seasonal displays.
Spend one fantastic day in the historic and bustling downtown entertainment district of Lee’s Summit. In downtown, there are many charming spaces and places to select including fountains, sculptures, historic buildings and architecture, parks, people and boutiques.
Cash Awards
BEST OF SHOW
$1,000
FIRST PLACE
$500
SECOND PLACE
$300
THIRD PLACE
$200
Daily Events
Tuesday, May 26
Plein Air Workshop with Larry DeGraff (9am-4pm)
Festival Kick-Off Party
Wednesday, May 27
Missouri Town Living History Museum (9am-4pm)
Thursday, May 28
Pergola Park at Old Longview Lake (9am-4pm)
Friday, May 29
Powell Gardens (9am-3:30pm)
Purchase Award Presentation
Satruday, May 30
Downtown Lee’s Summit (9am-3:30pm)
Judging (4-5pm)
Awards, Art Party and Sale (5-7pm)
Guest Judge and Workshop Instructor
Larry DeGraff
Nationally recognized plein air artist and local favorite Larry DeGraff returns to the Plein Air Festival to lead a one-day workshop on Tuesday, May 26.
Larry’s work has earned national recognition and been featured in Southwest Art and Plein Air Magazine. Join Larry at Lake Jacomo Marina for a full day of formative instruction and technique to help expand your plein air skills.
You’re Invited!
The public is invited to explore the properties and other locations as they watch the artists paint. The event culminates on Saturday with Awards Celebration followed by an Art Show and Sale where fine art enthusiasts have the opportunity to collect artworks from prominent plein air painters from all across the country.
Awards Reception and Art Sale
May 30, 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Green Street Market
FREE to the public. Family Friendly Event
Please join us on Saturday, May 30 for the closing awards presentation and reception for the Summit Art Plein Air Festival. Attendees will have the chance to meet the artists, as well as view and/or purchase artworks painted at various locations throughout the city and surrounding areas. Food trucks and cash bar will be available.
Sponsors & Supporters
Sponsor Purchase Award
Historic Preservation Award in Commemoration of Historic Preservation Month
($250 Art Supply Gift Card)
Lee’s Summit Cultural Commission, Historic Preservation Committee
Lee’s Summit Cultural Commission
Community Partners
