The premier Plein Air painting event showcasing Georgia-based artists is
returning to Savannah for its third consecutive year, from October 13-18, 2026.

The 8th Annual Georgia Color Plein Air will bring together approximately 30 talented outdoor painters from across the state including Savannah artists Kip Bradley, Mimi Diamond, Luba Lowry, Michael Mills, Sitorabonu Musulmankulova, Deborah Redden, Lori Keith Robinson and Rob Summerlin. Other artists hail from Atlanta, Athens, Canton, Cumming, Buford, Brookhaven, Fayetteville, Cleveland, Newnan, Pooler, Statesboro, Snellville, Marietta, Acworth, Richmond Hill, Duluth and St. Simons Island.

We’re pleased to return to Savannah for a third consecutive year,” said Phil Cuthbertson, director of the event. “This city and surrounding areas provide our artists with stunning and historic visuals that capture the character of Savannah and the Low Country. Artists will bring several paintings from home to place in the exhibition gallery but during the week they will scatter around Savannah to capture local scenes on canvas. As a result of this event, many homes and offices in the area now feature the work of our fine artists.”

As in the past, all works will be displayed at the Exhibition Gallery in Savannah (2123 E. Victory Drive 31404), with newly finished pieces added daily. One visit to the gallery is simply not enough. By week’s end there will more than 300 original paintings on exhibit and available for purchase.

There is more. Daily artist talks and demonstrations geared to artists, collectors and aficionados are free and open to anyone. Plus our ever-popular timed competition the PaintQuick is open to artists of all levels of experience (preregistration is recommended). The PaintQuick is free to spectators.

The Georgia Color exhibition is a judged competition. This year’s judges are Beth Logan, Peter Roberts and Joe Bush - all of Savannah. Awards are given in a wide range of categories. Most activities are open and free to the public. Tickets for the opening and closing events are available to all and can be purchased through the event website -- www.georgiacolor.org

Georgia Color Plein Air has been generously sponsored by several Savannah-based organizations as well as others from throughout the state (including Sottile & Sottile, Friedman's Framing, Blick Art Materials, Savannah Arts Association, The Landings Arts Association, Downtown Savannah Business Association - a full listing is available on the official website – www.georgiacolor.org

“It is truly an honor to return to Savannah,” said Andy Hall, co-founder and board member of Olmsted Arts, the parent organization of Georgia Color and Savannah resident. “This is a vibrant community that supports the arts. This prestigious event will highlight the beauty and charm of the Savannah area and give the public unique views of the area through their work.”“I am most pleased to welcome the Savannah Book Festival this year as a Community Partner” said Cuthbertson. On Friday evening, October 16 (6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) the Georgia Color Exhibition Gallery welcomes Fans of the Savannah Book Festival to browse paintings of local scenes (it’s OK to ooooo and ahhhhh), to engage in artful conversations and enjoy lite snacks while they last.

All paintings are available for purchase. A portion of each sale will benefit the Savannah Book Festival (February 4-7, 2027) and SBF will have information available about the 2027 Festival.

What is Plein Air?
En plein air is a French expression that means “in the open air.” Defined by outdoor painting, plein air traditionally captures landscapes and locations using natural light. Plein art painting has been a popular practice for centuries and requires specific skills and techniques. Featured Artists will put brush to canvas, capturing the autumn light over the hills and vineyards and historic towns of Georgia bringing a fresh eye to the changing light and colors, and a variety of styles that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting.