5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial | September 14–19, 2026 | Week-long Painting Festival
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Experience the Floyd Plein Air Biennial
For one week, Floyd becomes an open-air studio as nationally selected artists paint throughout the community, capturing the landscapes, architecture, and spirit of Southwest Virginia. The week concludes with a celebratory exhibition and Gala where newly completed works are unveiled, awards are presented, and original artwork is available for purchase.
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30 Juried Artists
Selected from across the country to participate in this prestigious Biennial. -
10 States Represented
Bringing a wide range of artistic perspectives to Floyd. -
6 Days of Live Painting
Watch artists painting throughout Floyd County and surrounding communities. -
100+ New Paintings
Freshly created during Biennial week and exhibited for the first time. -
Plein Air Gala & Celebration
Meet the artists, celebrate award winners, and purchase original artwork. -
Original Artwork for Sale
Support artists while taking home one-of-a-kind paintings inspired by Floyd.
Proudly Sponsored By
Biennial Week Schedule
Experience six days of art, creativity, and community during the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial.
Throughout the week, visitors are encouraged to explore Floyd County and discover artists painting on location. From scenic overlooks and historic farms to downtown streets and mountain landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to watch nationally selected artists create original works inspired by the beauty of Southwest Virginia.
Monday, September 14 | Paint the Floyd EcoVillage
Artists begin the week painting at the Floyd EcoVillage & Event Center, capturing its gardens, architecture, and surrounding landscape.
Evening Events
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Meet the Artist Reception (6:00 - 8:00 pm)
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Small Wet Painting Sale
Tuesday, September 15 | Paint the Blue Ridge Parkway
Artists spend the day painting along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, capturing some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain views.
Wednesday, September 16 | Paint Poor Farm Road
Artists explore the historic countryside along Poor Farm Road and nearby Riverstone Organic Farm, known for sweeping landscapes, historic homesteads, and spectacular sunsets.
Thursday, September 17 | Paint Sebas Farm & Honeypot Farm
Artists paint two beautiful Floyd County farms featuring rolling hills, working farmland, and iconic Blue Ridge scenery.
Evening Event
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Artist & Patron Dinner (6:00 - 8:00 pm | Patron Pass Required)
Friday, September 18 | Paint the Town of Floyd
Watch artists capture the charm of downtown Floyd and many of the community's most recognizable landmarks.
Featured Events
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Painting Demonstration with Festival Judge Deliece Blanchard
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Friday Night Quick Draw during the Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree
Saturday, September 19 | Gala & Celebration Day
Celebrate the culmination of the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial with a full day of special events at the Floyd Center for the Arts.
Meet the Artists
Meet the Judge | Deliece Blanchard
The Floyd Center for the Arts is honored to welcome Deliece Blanchard as the judge for the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial.
Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Deliece Blanchard is an award-winning painter whose work is inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Working primarily from direct observation, she creates expressive landscapes distinguished by vibrant color, thoughtful composition, and a distinctive painterly style. Her paintings often incorporate rhythmic marks and lyrical elements that reflect her lifelong appreciation for both nature and music.
Deliece is a Signature Member of American Women Artists and a juried member of both the Oil Painters of America (OPA) and the American Impressionist Society (AIS). She has received artist fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Ireland, and the Verrocchio Art Centre in Italy. Her work is included in educational, healthcare, corporate, and private collections throughout the country.
In 2026, Deliece received the Outstanding Achievement in Landscape Award at the American Women Artists National Juried Exhibition.
As this year's festival judge, Deliece will evaluate the Biennial artwork, present awards during the Plein Air Gala & Celebration, and lead a public painting demonstration during Biennial Week. We are delighted to have her share her expertise and passion for plein air painting with our artists and community.
Meet the Event Chair | Joli Ayn Wood
The Floyd Center for the Arts is proud to welcome Joli Ayn Wood as Chair of the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial.
Originally from Virginia and now based in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, Joli is an accomplished plein air painter working primarily in oils. She paints from direct observation, capturing the beauty, atmosphere, and sense of place found in the landscapes around her.
A graduate of the University of Richmond, Joli became a full-time artist in 2016 after a successful career in banking. She has also served as an Artist-in-Residence with the Kelley Healing Arts Program at Carilion Healthcare, where she used art to support patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
An experienced teacher, demonstrator, and arts advocate, Joli is passionate about building community through the arts. As Festival Chair, she has helped shape the vision of the Floyd Plein Air Biennial and will also lead a public painting demonstration during Biennial Week.
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Plein Air Gala & Celebration | Saturday, September 19
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the artists, landscapes, and creative spirit of the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial. The Plein Air Gala & Celebration marks the conclusion of a week of painting throughout Floyd County, bringing together artists, collectors, and the community for an evening of art, awards, and connection.
Browse and purchase original paintings created during the week, meet the participating artists, and witness the presentation of festival awards recognizing outstanding work. Whether you're an avid collector or simply appreciate the arts, the Gala offers a unique opportunity to experience freshly completed paintings inspired by the beauty of Southwest Virginia.
Gala Highlights
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View and purchase original plein air paintings created during Biennial Week
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Meet the participating artists
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Festival Awards Presentation
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Food and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
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Cash bar benefiting the Floyd Center for the Arts
Collectors Preview
Collectors and patrons are invited to enjoy exclusive early access before the public Gala. The Collectors Preview offers the first opportunity to view and purchase artwork, along with time to meet the artists in a more intimate setting. Ticket required.
Public Gala | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Floyd Center for the Arts
Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate the conclusion of the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial.
Take Home a Piece of Floyd
Every painting in the exhibition was created on location throughout Floyd County during Biennial Week. From mountain vistas and rural landscapes to historic buildings and hidden gems, each work captures a unique moment in time.
Artwork will be available for purchase beginning with the Collectors Preview on Saturday, September 19, followed by the public Gala. Any remaining available artwork will continue to be exhibited and available for purchase in the Floyd Center for the Arts galleries through October 31, 2026.
Whether you're beginning your collection or adding to it, purchasing artwork directly supports both the participating artists and the Floyd Center for the Arts.
Patron
Passes
Experience the Biennial Like a Patron. Enhance your Biennial experience with a Patron Pass, offering access to exclusive events and opportunities to connect with the artists while supporting the Floyd Center for the Arts and the Floyd Plein Air Biennial.
Individual Patron Pass — $90
Includes admission for one to:
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Complimentary drink at the Meet the Artists Reception (Monday)
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Artist & Patron Dinner (Thursday)
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Collectors Preview (Saturday) – 1 hour of exclusive early access before the public Gala
One complimentary drink during the Collectors Preview
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Early access to view and purchase artwork before the public Gala
Couple Patron Pass — $170
Includes admission for two to:
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Complimentary drinks at the Meet the Artists Reception (Monday)
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Artist & Patron Dinner for (Thursday)
Collectors Preview (Saturday) – One hour of exclusive early access before the public Gala
Two complimentary drinks during the Collectors Preview
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Early access to view and purchase artwork before the public Gala
Individual Event Tickets
Prefer to attend a specific event? Individual tickets are available for each exclusive Biennial experience.
Artist & Patron Dinner
Enjoy an intimate evening with the participating artists over a catered dinner at the Floyd EcoVillage Event Center.
Collectors Preview
Be among the first to view and purchase original paintings created during Biennial Week during an exclusive preview one hour before the Gala opens to the public. Your ticket includes one complimentary drink and early access to the exhibition, giving you the opportunity to meet the artists and acquire artwork before the public arrives.